Thank you to all the candidates who responded with such goodwill to our 2016 Victorian Local Council Elections Candidate Survey!

Music Victoria has once again surveyed around 2000 candidates across 79 electorates to connect potential councillors with music loving communities state wide.

This is your chance to ascertain who gives a damn in your electorate before you cast your vote! Do you know which candidates in your municipality will support initiatives that are good for music?

The survey gave candidates an opportunity to talk a little about music policy and strategies they may be aware of or think would be a good idea, and their knowledge of any local issues affecting their local music community.

Questions asked included:

What kind of music do you enjoy?

What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Voting in council elections is compulsory. Most councils will hold postal elections and ballot packs will be sent to all registered voters. Voters unsure about which electorate they come under can check at the Victorian electoral commission website: www.vec.gov.au

Time to scroll down and fine out what’s going down in your electorate. Peruse the responses of candidates who want your vote by clicking on your electorate below.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Tom Bolton Smith - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Brian Litlechild - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Tom Bolton Smith – Need more information

Brian Litlechild - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Tom Bolton Smith – N/A

Brian Litlechild - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Tom Bolton Smith - Yes

Brian Litlechild - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Tom Bolton Smith - I think that you need to come up to the Beautiful Alpine shire and have a look for yourselves. Have a great day. Regards Tom :)

Ararat Rural City Council

Ararat Rural City Council (7 vacancies, 13 candidates)

Candidates

Mr PETTMAN, David

Did Not Respond

Dr ATKINSON, Bernardine

No Email Address Provided

Mrs McLEAN, Glenda

Did Not Respond

Mr HULL, Gary

Did Not Respond

Mrs HULL, Fay

Did Not Respond

Mr FORD, Darren

No Email Address Provided

Mr DEUTSCH, Frank

Did Not Respond

Mr WOODS, Murray Winston

No Email Address Provided

Mr BEALES, Peter

See Response Below

Mrs ALLGOOD, Gwenda

See Response Below

Mr BRAITHWAITE, Bill

Did Not Respond

Mrs ARMSTRONG, Jo

Did Not Respond

Mr HOOPER, Paul

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Ararat Rural City Council 2016: 13

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Peter Beales – Classic, Sixties and folk

Gwenda Allgood - All

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Peter Beales – Previously served not on this council. Previous council supported music events such at Kinglake Ranges Blue Grass Festival etc but there was not much of a music scene as we were so close to Melbourne where a multitude of events were available.In Ararat council is undertaking a 6.3 million redevelopment of the Ararat Performing Arts Centre which is a fantastic venue for live music, often showcasing local talent and national touring musicians and performers. Council has also been supportive of venues and open mics and Friday night acoustic performances

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Peter Beales - There is a lot of creative talent in the region but young people need some support to kick start their careers I would like to see council taking a more active role to create opportunities for local musicians by booking them to perform at local festivals and events. I believe council could do more to promote the local FREEZA program.The Local Learning Network received funding of $73500 in 2015 to deliver there program in Ararat over three years. There is significant amounts of grant funding available at a state government level via the Music works program and I want to insure that our region makes the most of the opportunity to secure this funding.

Gwenda Allgood - Young people trying to get started in music

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Peter Beales - the biggest issue facing venues are around attracting touring artists to our region. Several major artists play shows at Ballarat on their way to bigger shows in Melbourne and Adelaide but if more could be encouraged to play here too, to would help to build live audiences in the region and in turn create opportunities for local performers

Gwenda Allgood - Cost of hiring venues

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Peter Beales - Yes

Gwenda Allgood - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Peter Beales - Yes

Gwenda Allgood - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Peter Beales - Yes

Gwenda Allgood - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Peter Beales – If I am elected to council, I will seek advice from council officer of the initiatives undertaken to date and ask that they investigate there matters I have raised above and other ideas suggested in the survey

Gwenda Allgood - Free lunch time concerts

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Peter Beales - Most of the above exist in Ararat only the partnership option does not exist and I think that is well worth while considering.

Gwenda Allgood - All of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Peter Beales - Yes

Gwenda Allgood - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Peter Beales - N/A

Gwenda Allgood - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Peter Beales - Yes

Gwenda Allgood - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Peter Beales -

Gwenda Allgood - Would like to see more young people supported in entering the industry

Belinda Coates - At the beginning of my term I advocated for development of a Live Music Strategy. This was included in the Council Plan and was developed with input from a committee of music and venue representatives. Our Live Music Strategy was recently adopted and is now being actioned. See attached link to read the City of Ballarat Live Music Strategy adopted August 10, 2016 http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/media/3985058/retained_final-_public_attachments_agenda_redacted.pdf

Tim Powell - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Mark Harris - Smaller amount of work compared with metro and venues

William Bennett - Nothing particularly local, but just getting enough financial support to establish a band/group while juggling other commitments.

Angus McAlpine - Access to funding and information regarding funding, a relatively small circuit of live music venues, little to no public and free areas for promotion of live gigs and upcoming releases, inability to find work that supports music endeavours, poor live performance payment.

Robert Edward Smith - Lack of access to quality campaign support for their festivals / gigs / events. Awareness is (and always will be) the critical factor for success with local musicians.

Tony Goodfellow - Regulatory burdens, distance from service and opportunities, lack of venues, lack of audience, having a sustainable enterprise, infrastructure.

Nick Shady - The biggest issue is being economically viable, it’s a tough occupation to be full time, the musicians I know play for free as it is their hobby. Unfortunately there are not many venues in Ballarat because the punters don’t value local musicians, and therefore have limited exposure to the local talent. It is an endless circle.

Merle Hathaway - Opportunities to perform. Cost of rehearsal and performance venues. Suitable performance venues. Expectations of hirers & audiences for no or low fees for musicians. Reduction of professional music training at Federation University. Funding - grants limited to certain types or aspects of music; difficulty of application and compliance.

Brian Pola - Capacity of venues to pay musicians properly.

Belinda Coates - We identified the issues by working with a range of musicians in our community through forums, workshops and our Live Music Committee. A range of issues like access to networks, funding, skill development, marketing, promotion, opportunities etc were identified. Actions to address these issues have been incorporated into the adopted Live Music Strategy. See attached link to read the City of Ballarat Live Music Strategy adopted August 10, 2016 http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/media/3985058/retained_final-_public_attachments_agenda_redacted.pdf

Tim Powell - Lack of live music venues

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Mark Harris - Not every genre has a natural home commercially and public venues limited

William Bennett - No response

Angus McAlpine - Smaller independent live music venues in Ballarat are struggling to keep up with the larger venues in town, a one-size-fits-all approach to licensing is unfair and unrealistic, and publicans/booking agents are struggling to keep their heads above water. Large multi-business owners with a stake in the live music scene have an unfair advantage of larger capital than smaller venues, and also a perceived stronger influence on council planning decisions. More work needs to be done to nurture the smaller, Ballarat-centric live music venues such as The Eastern, Babushka, The Mallow and others, where the focus is on more personal, intimate live music experiences.

Robert Edward Smith - A lack of identity, a lack of cultural nous, Council needs to step up and foster a creative paradigm and work in collusion with venues to hold gigs and events that attract as many people as possible.

Tony Goodfellow - Being sustainable.

Nick Shady - The biggest issue is being economically viable, no support means you cannot continue to operate, the nightclub culture in Ballarat isn't live music friendly.

Merle Hathaway - Sustainability - especially for small venues. Maintaining audiences. Competition - from other events. Limited professional support, staff. Reliance on volunteers. Sustaining grants for ongoing major music events such as Festival of Slow Music - now lost to Ballarat.

Brian Pola - security

Belinda Coates - As above, we identified our local issues by consulting venues via forums workshops and the Live Music Committee. The findings have been incorporated into the Live Music Strategy and actions. See attached link to read the City of Ballarat Live Music Strategy adopted August 10, 2016 http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/media/3985058/retained_final-_public_attachments_agenda_redacted.pdf

Tim Powell - Lack of patronage

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Mark Harris - Yes

William Bennett - Yes

Angus McAlpine - Yes

Robert Edward Smith - Yes

Tony Goodfellow - Yes

Nick Shady - Yes

Merle Hathaway - Yes

Brian Pola - No

Belinda Coates - Yes

Tim Powell - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Mark Harris - Yes

William Bennett - Yes

Angus McAlpine - Yes

Robert Edward Smith - Yes

Tony Goodfellow - Yes

Nick Shady - Yes

Merle Hathaway - Yes

Brian Pola - Yes

Belinda Coates - Yes

Tim Powell - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Mark Harris - Yes

William Bennett - Yes

Angus McAlpine - Yes

Robert Edward Smith - Yes

Tony Goodfellow - Yes

Nick Shady - Yes

Merle Hathaway - Yes

Brian Pola - Yes

Belinda Coates - Yes

Tim Powell - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Mark Harris - Not enough

William Bennett - Ballarat Live Music Strategy

Angus McAlpine - The current Ballarat City Council has voted to implement the Ballarat Live Music Strategy, which I believe is a fantastic step forward in the right direction in fostering the brilliant wealth of live music talent in Ballarat City. This initiative will be the building block for future work to ensure one of the main cultural elements of Ballarat, live music, remains strong and vibrant.

Robert Edward Smith - Not much

Tony Goodfellow - Ballarat has initiated a Ballarat Live Music Strategy 2016 -2021.

Nick Shady - I am unaware of anything directly, but they will claim that renovating the civic hall will create a space for musicians.

Merle Hathaway - Council already has a Live Music Policy in development. However, it is not available on Council's website currently and a comprehensive audit has not occurred.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Mark Harris - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

William Bennett - All of the above, no brainer!

Angus McAlpine - Would support all of the above and more.

Robert Edward Smith - Free rehearsal spaces in COB-owned buildings, Community Impact Grants for all-ages gigs, Music Victoria partnerships and much much much more *consultation* with venue operators to ensure maximum bang for your proverbial buck.

Tony Goodfellow - I think it's worthwhile considering all the above.

Nick Shady - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Merle Hathaway - All of the above initiatives - free (or low cost) rehearsal space, parking & loading zones, grants, partnering with Music Victoria, and safe & inclusive practices, . All are important and would assist musicians and venues in Ballarat, and increase a broad range of arts activities and events, adding to Ballarat's desirability as a place to live, work and visit.

Brian Pola - All of the above

Belinda Coates - All of the above have been identified to be explored as part of the development of our Live Music Strategy.

Tim Powell - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Mark Harris - No

William Bennett - No

Angus McAlpine - No

Robert Edward Smith - No

Tony Goodfellow - No

Nick Shady - No

Merle Hathaway - No

Brian Pola - No

Belinda Coates - No

Tim Powell - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Mark Harris - Yes

William Bennett - Yes

Angus McAlpine - Yes

Robert Edward Smith - Yes

Tony Goodfellow - Yes

Nick Shady - Yes

Merle Hathaway - Yes

Brian Pola - Yes

Belinda Coates - Yes

Tim Powell - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Mark Harris - Yes

William Bennett - Yes

Angus McAlpine - Yes

Robert Edward Smith - Yes

Tony Goodfellow - Yes

Nick Shady - Yes

Merle Hathaway - Yes

Brian Pola - Yes

Belinda Coates - Yes

Tim Powell - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Angus McAlpine - As an active musician who has performed all over Australia, music is one of the areas of council attention that I will promote the hardest. Ballarat has a reputation to uphold, not just in Victoria, but in Australia, as a little city with a huge music scene. Council should endeavour to do everything in their power to maintain this reputation, not just for the income revenue and tourism it brings, but for the strong sense of local pride and ownership it brings to local musicians.

Robert Edward Smith - Vote 1 Rob Edward Smith in North Ward ;)

Tony Goodfellow - I think Ballarat has a great opportunity to create a song music culture, we have had success stories in the past and must make sure there are more in the future. What is the unique sound and message of Ballarat? We will only know if there is a strong supportive music

Nick Shady - Answer 13, I answered no as I believe that state governments should be providing the funding from some of the gambling taxes that they raise from our community. I am not sure if all councils give out these grants, one thing certain is that with over $55 Million PA being removed from our Ballarat community from Pokies alone, not much is being returned as a community dividend.

Merle Hathaway - Ballarat's largest venue for live performances, the Civic Hall, as lain idle since closure by Council in 2002. It has space for large performances (up to 2,000 seated), small performances (c 400) and areas that could be used for rehearsals. Currently large live performances are missing Ballarat, and the Civic Hall is unavailable for festivals and other live music and performance events. For a relatively small sum, Council could assist reopen this important venue.

Brian Pola - All the best and keep on rockin'

Tim Powell - All musicians start at the bottom and it is important that they are given opportunities to promote the arts locally and internationally.

Banyule City Council

Bakewell Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr DI PASQUALE, Mark

Did Not Respond

Beale Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mr HENDERSON, Kim

Did Not Respond

Mr BRAIN, Nick

Did Not Respond

Mr PHILLIPS, Wayne

No Email Address Provided

Griffin Ward (1 vacancy, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Mr ROBINSON, Edward

Did Not Respond

LIM BRADISH, Carole

Did Not Respond

Mr CASTALDO, Peter

Did Not Respond

Mrs MULHOLLAND, Jenny

Did Not Respond

Mr HILL, Marcus

Did Not Respond

Grimshaw Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr GAROTTI, Rick

Did Not Respond

Hawdon Ward (1 vacancy, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Ms TERPSTRA, Sonja

See Response Below

Miss CONNORS, Terri-Anne

Did Not Respond

Mrs ZANDEGU, Alison

Did Not Respond

Mr GOODMAN, Matthew

See Response Below

Ibbott Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr MELICAN, Tom

See Response Below

Mr TRAN, Taylor

Did Not Respond

Olympia Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mr FARAH, Omar

Did Not Respond

LANGDON, Craig

Did Not Respond

Mr SENESE, Brad

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Banyule City Council 2016: 19

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Sonja Terpstra - Most types of music, but I do like live Jazz music.

Matthew Goodman - Ska, Punk, Grunge

Tom Melican - most music

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Sonja Terpstra - N/A

Matthew Goodman - N/A

Tom Melican - Renominating. Supported JET Studio the entire time.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Sonja Terpstra - Access to venues.

Matthew Goodman - Lack of venues

Tom Melican - Lack of venues

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Sonja Terpstra - Venues and issues or restrictions around noise and operating times.

Matthew Goodman - Our council does not encourage live music venues or youth culture in general.

Tom Melican - Again, lack of venues

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Sonja Terpstra - Yes

Matthew Goodman - Yes

Tom Melican - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Sonja Terpstra - Yes

Matthew Goodman - Yes

Tom Melican - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Sonja Terpstra - Yes

Matthew Goodman - Yes

Tom Melican - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Sonja Terpstra - There does not appear to be a strategy as such and I haven't found any in my research. But Council has provided ad hoc opportunities for live music, such as the Banyule Arty Farty Fest.

Matthew Goodman - I'm afraid this is something I need to do more research into. I don't see a lot of evidence.

Tom Melican - Support of Jet studio and the Youth Festival, which highlights several younger people bands. Also the Sounds of Sills Bend, an annual live music free public event in Heidelberg.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Sonja Terpstra - I would support most of the above initiatives, however, work and consultation with the broader community would need to take place to ensure balanced outcomes are achieved.

Matthew Goodman - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Tom Melican - 1, maybe 2, 3, 4, 5

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Sonja Terpstra - Need more information

Matthew Goodman - No

Tom Melican - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Sonja Terpstra - N/A

Matthew Goodman - Yes

Tom Melican - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Sonja Terpstra - Yes

Matthew Goodman - Yes

Tom Melican - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Sonja Terpstra - Thank you for the opportunity to comment. :)

Matthew Goodman - Banyule relies on other areas of Melbourne to entertain it's youth. I would like to see that change.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Mohan De Run - N/A

Michael Whelan - N/A

Michaela Barlow - N/A

Maurice Schinkel - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Mohan De Run - Events in which to showcase themselves.

Michael Whelan - The availability of live music in the area and the lack of active support from Council.

Michaela Barlow - I think local musicians lack opportunities to play to a wider audience. I think we need to look into small cultural festivals, including music festivals, and encourage our local musicians to get their work out there.

Maurice Schinkel - Venues, promotion and fluctuating population.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Mohan De Run - Size of Indoor venues available are too small and acoustics poor. Out- door venues available cause disturbance to the sound delivery due to poor acoustics and wind. A sound Shell Project is currently underway at Inverloch.

Peter Novacco - Limited availability of live music venues and high cost.

Bridget Hsu Hage - Arts and culture is the social fabric of our being, imperative to the maintenance of good health and enhances our wellbeing. As a Councillor, I will work with you to identify your need and listen to your concerns, and to instigate strategies that achieve best outcome for our residents in Bayside.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Rob Grinter - Live venues and the music industry are not promoted by council.

Bridget Hsu Hage - Arts and culture is the social fabric of our being, imperative to the maintenance of good health and enhances our wellbeing. As a Councillor, I will work with you to identify your need and listen to your concerns, and to instigate strategies that achieve best outcome for our residents in Bayside.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Rob Grinter - Yes

Stephen Le Page - Yes

Peter Novacco - Yes

Bridget Hsu Hage - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Rob Grinter - Yes

Stephen Le Page - Yes

Peter Novacco - Yes

Bridget Hsu Hage - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Rob Grinter - Yes

Stephen Le Page - Yes

Peter Novacco - Yes

Bridget Hsu Hage - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Peter Novacco - Support for live music performances in Council space, such as the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre. A subsidy scheme operates to assist community groups within the City to meet the cost of hiring the Town Hall.

Bridget Hsu Hage - Arts and culture is the social fabric of our being, imperative to the maintenance of good health and enhances our wellbeing. As a Councillor, I will work with you to identify your need and listen to your concerns, and to instigate strategies that achieve best outcome for our residents in Bayside.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Rob Grinter - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Stephen Le Page - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Peter Novacco - I will investigate all of the above.

Bridget Hsu Hage - Arts and culture is the social fabric of our being, imperative to the maintenance of good health and enhances our wellbeing. As a Councillor, I will work with you to identify your need and listen to your concerns, and to instigate strategies that achieve best outcome for our residents in Bayside.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Rob Grinter - No

Stephen Le Page - Need more information

Peter Novacco - No

Bridget Hsu Hage - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Rob Grinter - Yes

Stephen Le Page - N/A

Peter Novacco - Yes

Bridget Hsu Hage - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Rob Grinter - Yes

Stephen Le Page - Yes

Peter Novacco - Yes

Bridget Hsu Hage - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Rob Grinter -

Stephen Le Page - Support for the Arts -- as a higher priority for Council initiatives -- is a key element in my policy portfolio.

Peter Novacco - I would be happy to advocate for more money to support local live music as part of the council budget process as well as investigating opportunities to support local live music via a community grants program. I have long supported live music, since helping as a roadie to my brother's band twenty years ago, through attending hundreds of gigs as a punter, working crowd control at hundreds of concerts, as an urban planner studying the conflict between live music venues and gentrification, as an active supporter of community groups such as Fair Go 4 Live Music, and as a concert photographer for local bands and festivals. I fully support the ongoing work of Music Victoria in enabling live music through various initiatives, while balancing the needs of the greater community.

Bridget Hsu Hage - Arts and culture is the social fabric of our being, imperative to the maintenance of good health and enhances our wellbeing. As a Councillor, I will work with you to identify your need and listen to your concerns, and to instigate strategies that achieve best outcome for our residents in Bayside.

Benalla Rural City Council

Benalla Rural City Council (7 vacancies, 20 candidates)

Candidates

Mr CLARIDGE, Danny

Did Not Respond

Mr KLOSE, Simon

No Email Address Provided

Mr PLEX, Michael

Did Not Respond

VAN WERSCH, Willie

Did Not Respond

Mrs CROCKER, Ellen

Did Not Respond

Ms BALLARD, Alison

Did Not Respond

Mr SMITH, Warren James

Did Not Respond

VALE, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mrs ALEXANDER, Barbara K.

Did Not Respond

HAUPTMANN, Phil

Did Not Respond

Mrs RICHARDS, Margaret

No Email Address Provided

Mr JOSEPH, David

See Response Below

SANSON, Anita

No Email Address Provided

Mr UPSTON, Scott

Did Not Respond

JENKINS, Matthew

No Email Address Provided

Mr FIRTH, Don

Did Not Respond

Mrs HEARN, Bernie

No Email Address Provided

Mr MYCONOS, Jim

Did Not Respond

Mr DAVIS, Peter

Did Not Respond

BAILEY, Pauline

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Benalla Rural City Council 2016: 20

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

David Joseph - serious, composed music

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

David Joseph - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

David Joseph - a venue

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

David Joseph - Council obstructiveness

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

David Joseph - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

David Joseph - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

David Joseph - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

David Joseph - Personally, I have been most active in this town in promoting live music performances over the past several years. It was my intention that Benalla host an International festival of Contemporary Music (cf Darmstardt, Zagreb...) nevertheless, Local Council, in true public service form, has made that virtually impossible, not by want of grants , just obstructing the very idea of performances and making venues impossible.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

David Joseph - I have no objection to the above proposals and in particular would support free or very cheap performance venues/for concerts and rehearsals etc. I am not sure that Grants would be of use , my preference would be to encourage the infrastructure - ie., teach a man to fish rather than merely provide him with free fish...

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

David Joseph - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

David Joseph - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

David Joseph - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

David Joseph -

Boroondara City Council

Bellevue Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr PARKE, Jim

Did Not Respond

Cotham Ward (1 vacancy, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs SINFIELD, Felicity

Did Not Respond

Mr GAHAN, Philip David John

Did Not Respond

Mr LONG, Keiron

Did Not Respond

Mr WATSON, Elliot

Did Not Respond

Mrs VOCE, Judith

See Response Below

Gardiner Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Ms ROSS, Coral

Did Not Respond

Mr BILA, Theo John

See Response Below

Mr JENNER, Barry

Did Not Respond

Glenferrie Ward (1 vacancy, 6 candidates)

Candidates

Mr HURD, Steve

Did Not Respond

Mr PAKENHAM, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr CAPOOR, Sujay

Did Not Respond

Ms COSTA, Simone

Did Not Respond

Ms SMETHURST, Sue

Did Not Respond

Mr HAYES, Geoff

See Response Below

Junction Ward (1 vacancy, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr WEGMAN, Jack

Did Not Respond

Mr WAH, Ashley

Did Not Respond

Mr BURGE, Michael Anthony

Did Not Respond

Mr DEAKIN, Greg

Did Not Respond

Lynden Ward (1 vacancy, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr QUICK, Ian

Did Not Respond

Mr HOOK, Harry

See Response Below

Mrs LEIDLER, Sue

Did Not Respond

Mrs HOLLINGSWORTH, Lisa

Did Not Respond

Maling Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Ms PERRYMAN, Snow

Did Not Respond

Dr ADDIS, Jane

Did Not Respond

Maranoa Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs WATSON, Cynthia

Did Not Respond

Mr PRUDEN, Charles

Did Not Respond

Mr LARKIN, Xavier

Did Not Respond

Solway Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mr EAGER, Brendan

Did Not Respond

Mr DOYLE, Michael

See Response Below

Mr THOMPSON, Garry

Did Not Respond

Studley Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr TANNER, Michael

Did Not Respond

Mr HEALEY, Phillip

See Response Below

Total candidates for Boroondara City Council 2016: 33

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Judith Voce - Blues, jazz, rock, some contemporary

Theo John Bila - Most Clasic Music; Folk & Single Voice

Geoff Hayes - All types of good music

Harry Hook - A wide range of genres depending on the day. Pop, indie, electronic and folk are generally top of my playlist.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Judith Voce - Refer below

Theo John Bila - N/A

Geoff Hayes - Hawthorn Town Hall is a great venue as is the refurbished Kew Court House

Harry Hook - N/A

Michael Doyle - N/A

Phillip Healey - I was the instigator of the Kew Court House for performing arts and subsequent renewal of the hawthorn Arts Centre. Boroondara's spent in excess of 20 million to support performing arts over the last 5 years. We also have an Eisteddfod which I have ebb on the committee of. Last year we spent over $40,000 refurbishing the Townhall Steinway Grand for performance use.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Judith Voce - Refer below

Theo John Bila - Maybe good quality music hasn't penetrate to the residents as promoted product.

Geoff Hayes - Regular income

Harry Hook - Lack of live music venues, leading to patrons leaving the municipality for entertainment. - Insufficient promotion of local events, including the Freeza program and the Boroondara Eisteddford. - Reduction of accessible rehearsal and creative spaces, especially for young people and others who may not be able to access other options. - Closure of independent music retailers.

Michael Doyle - The same issues as in most municipalities. Musicians need resources and opportunities. They need to be able to practice in a supportive environment where they are encouraged to improve and learn from others. They need to have opportunities to perform publicly, works that are both traditional and innovative.

Phillip Healey - It's not facilities, I think is about engaging with our Arts team.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Theo John Bila - The local avenue should be supported free of charge by Council.

Geoff Hayes - Getting known by prospective patrons

Harry Hook - Greater regulation placed on venues and patrons due to perceptions of safety concerns. - Low patronage due to the belief that Boroondara is not a live music-friendly area or does not contain live music venues. Boroondara may not be considered at all by potential patrons.

Michael Doyle - Costs and suitability. A purpose-built venue has considerable costs. Music venues have special needs. One option is for councils to 'rent' or lease suitable halls such as those in schools.

Phillip Healey - I'm not getting any feedback from the music community that they are experiencing any issues.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Judith Voce - Yes

Theo John Bila - Yes

Geoff Hayes - No

Harry Hook - Yes

Michael Doyle - Yes

Phillip Healey - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Judith Voce - Need more information

Theo John Bila - Yes

Geoff Hayes - Yes

Harry Hook - Yes

Michael Doyle - Need more information

Phillip Healey - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Judith Voce - Need more information

Theo John Bila - Yes

Geoff Hayes - Yes

Harry Hook - Yes

Michael Doyle - Need more information

Phillip Healey - Need more information

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Judith Voce - Refer below.

Theo John Bila - I am not sure if any!!!

Geoff Hayes - More could be done

Harry Hook - The City of Boroondara offers the Hawthorn Arts Centre and Kew Court House as performance and rehearsal space for artists and musicians, and for young people the 360 youth centre recently installed a new band room. Council also organises many community events, including live music such as the Summer Music series and the Boroondara Eisteddford. I was also fortunate to be involved with Boroondara Freeza for many years, a program which trains young people in event management through organising local youth events. Council's neighbourhood houses also offer courses in music for those looking to improve their skills.

Michael Doyle - The annual Boroondara Eisteddfod is a competition for musicians, vocalists and speech and drama students.

Phillip Healey - Boroondara has a comprehensive Arts and Culture Strategy that underpins the operation of our two venues, the Hawthorn Arts Centre and the Kew Courthouse.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Harry Hook - If elected I would consult widely to find out what outcomes the arts community would like to see in Boroondara, and how they think council should support the arts and creative industries in our area. I would seek to meet with Music Victoria and other groups to discuss the initiatives listed above. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10.

Michael Doyle - Grants and support where appropriate. Rehearsal spaces in association with adequate safeguards, with some payment towards costs. Partnering where appropriate.

Phillip Healey - all of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Judith Voce - Need more information

Theo John Bila - No

Geoff Hayes - Need more information

Harry Hook - Yes

Michael Doyle - Need more information

Phillip Healey - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Judith Voce - N/A

Theo John Bila - Yes

Geoff Hayes - N/A

Harry Hook - N/A

Michael Doyle - N/A

Phillip Healey - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Judith Voce - Yes

Theo John Bila - Yes

Geoff Hayes - Yes

Harry Hook - Yes

Michael Doyle - Yes

Phillip Healey - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Judith Voce - Prefer not to do a 'tick the box' survey as I don't believe this is a true reflection of how candidates will commit post their election. A performing arts precinct was my dream for the Hawthorn Town Hall when I was previously on Council which lead to the creation of the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Boroondara Council has invested$20+M in converting the HTH into a performing arts centre with spaces for performances and/or artistic spaces for all genre of the arts. We have also converted the Kew Court House as a performance centre. This is a significant commitment to the arts in our City, which is supported by different levels of fees charged for community/NFP organisations, professional and commercial bookings. I currently Chair Council's Town Hall Gallery Acquisition Committee and I am a passionate supporter of the arts in all its forms, which includes music, and will continue to pursue creative opportunities if I'm re-elected.

Theo John Bila - Good Music is always wanted

Geoff Hayes - Music is one of the building blocks of a successful and lively community

Harry Hook -

Michael Doyle - Support for increased use would depend on adequate safeguards, local consultation, and risk management being undertaken.

Phillip Healey - We are about 6 years in to our Arts and Culture strategy, we are getting recognition for both venues. We probably need to expand it out beyond our venues, the festivals and into smaller venues.

Borough of Queenscliffe Council

Queenscliffe Borough Council (5 vacancies, 11 candidates)

Candidates

Ms SALTER, Susan

Did Not Respond

Mr PIZZEY, Boyce

Did Not Respond

Mr RUSSELL, Peter

Did Not Respond

Mr EBBELS, Ross

See Response Below

Mr MINTY, Robert

No Email Address Provided

Mr FRANCIS, Tony

See Response Below

Mr KENWOOD, David

Did Not Respond

Mr McGAIN, Stephen

Did Not Respond

Ms CAMERON, Hélène Marea

No Email Address Provided

Mr MERRIMAN, Bob

Did Not Respond

Mr BAKER, Louis Christopher

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Borough of Queenscliffe Council 2016: 11

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Ross Ebbels - Most live Music

Tony Francis - Soul and Blues

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Ross Ebbels - N/A

Tony Francis - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Ross Ebbels - getting the support from the limited venues we have.

Tony Francis - Ongoing live venues to play in

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Ross Ebbels - The BOQ is an older community and has an influx of younger tourists over summer who are more likely to attend live gigs.

Tony Francis - Crowd number to sustain live music

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Ross Ebbels - No

Tony Francis - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Ross Ebbels - Yes

Tony Francis - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Ross Ebbels - Yes

Tony Francis - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Ross Ebbels - The BOQ council supports the Queenscliff music Festival which is amazing event.

Tony Francis - We have festivals based around music, like QMF and we are looking at a sole festival next year

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Ross Ebbels - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Tony Francis - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Ross Ebbels - Yes

Tony Francis - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Ross Ebbels - N/A

Tony Francis - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Ross Ebbels - Yes

Tony Francis - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Ross Ebbels - I would be more than happy to talk further about your issues. Thanks Ross

Tony Francis -

Brimbank City Council

Grasslands Ward (3 vacancies, 16 candidates)

Candidates

Dr BORG, Victoria

Did Not Respond

Mr TARCZON, Les

Did Not Respond

Mr PHAN, Thang

Did Not Respond

Mr RAJASEKAR, Alfred

Did Not Respond

Mr ASHRAF, Tauseef

See Response Below

Mrs DUONG, Thao

No Email Address Provided

Mr ATANASOVSKI, Troy

Did Not Respond

Mr MUSCAT, Sam C. J.

Did Not Respond

Mr AUMUA, Patrick

Did Not Respond

Ms BAILEY, Lucinda

Did Not Respond

Mr PHUNG, Danny

Did Not Respond

Mr CHANG, Andrew K.

Did Not Respond

Dr ZYBERT, Josef

See Response Below

Ms PHAM, Duyen Anh

Did Not Respond

Mr LUU, Chris

No Email Address Provided

Ms AZIZ, Janev

Did Not Respond

Harvester Ward (3 vacancies, 19 candidates)

Candidates

Mr HEDDITCH, John

See Response Below

Mr VALLONE, Simon

Did Not Respond

Ms TRUONG, Kim Thien

Did Not Respond

Ms GODDE, Rose

See Response Below

Mr WHITE, Bruce

See Response Below

Mr LUU, Trung

Did Not Respond

Mr TRAN, David

No Email Address Provided

Miss YILMAZ, Elanur

Did Not Respond

Mr DAVID, Sam

No Email Address Provided

Mr MARTINU, Christian

Did Not Respond

Mr KLADAKIS, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr SCHLOTZER, Alex

See Response Below

Mr GREEN, Ian

Did Not Respond

Mr ANSAH, Kwabena

Did Not Respond

Mr SHETTY, Prathap

Did Not Respond

Mr CARBONARI, John

See Response Below

Mr DE LEON, Joey

Did Not Respond

Mr SOCRATOUS, Costas

Did Not Respond

Ms McKAY, Nicola

No Email Address Provided

Horseshoe Bend Ward (2 vacancies, 9 candidates)

Candidates

Ms JANCEVA, Jacquie

Did Not Respond

Mr PAVLOU, Stelios

Did Not Respond

Mr NELSON, Kane

Did Not Respond

TACHOS, Virginia

Did Not Respond

Ms ISA, Jenny

Did Not Respond

Ms MAZA, Lisa

Did Not Respond

Mr ALLAN, Daniel

Did Not Respond

Mr TA, Nghi

Did Not Respond

Mr RATNASEKARA, Vidhura

No Email Address Provided

Taylors Ward (3 vacancies, 23 candidates)

Candidates

Mr BANDARA, Medde

Did Not Respond

Mrs JOVANOVIC DOBOS, Mira

No Email Address Provided

Mrs FORBES-WEBSTER, Virginia

Did Not Respond

Mr GRIXTI, Joseph

Did Not Respond

Mr BADUARAMBE KANKANAMGE, Susil Ratnasekara

Did Not Respond

Ms PAPAFOTIOU, Georgina

Did Not Respond

Ms TEJEDOR, Silvia

See Response Below

Mrs GIUDICE, Margaret

Did Not Respond

Mr CIOTTI, Aaron

See Response Below

Mr NELSON, Larry L.

Did Not Respond

Mr LANCASHIRE, Bruce

Did Not Respond

Mr RASIC, Uros

Did Not Respond

Mr TRONCOSO, Patricio Edison

Did Not Respond

Mr CARTHEW, Richard

Did Not Respond

Mr SYNAK, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr WALIA, Wally Harpreet Singh

Did Not Respond

Mr SYMEOU, George

Did Not Respond

Mr MATHEW, Ashok

Did Not Respond

Mr MILLER, Stuart

Did Not Respond

Mr TRAN, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr CAO, Chien Duc

No Email Address Provided

Mr NICOLAOU, Nick

Did Not Respond

Mr VAROL, Mehmet Nuri

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Brimbank City Council 2016: 67

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Tauseef Ashraf - All sort of music including Jazz, R&B etc

Josef Zybert -

John Hedditch - Jazz

Rose Godde - Jazz, World, Opera, Blues, Big ballads etc

Alex Schlotze - I have an eclectic taste in music

John Carbonari - Australian

Silvia Tejedor - All sorts, but particularly Latin music

Aaron Ciotti - I enjoy all forms of music and love to share music time with my family on weekends. My children are both learning instruments and I actively am involved in their tuition

Bruce White - All - rock to classical

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Tauseef Ashraf - N/A

Josef Zybert - I am not an incumbent

John Hedditch - N/A

Rose Godde - N/A

Alex Schlotze - N/A

John Carbonari - N/A

Silvia Tejedor - I have not served on council in the past, but I know that council has provided various venues and festivals for the music community, i.e. Sunshine Lantern Festival.

Aaron Ciotti - I am a new nominee, but I will take to task Music involvement with our youth. I feel is is an amazing benefit for kids to be involved in all types of music.

Bruce White - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Tauseef Ashraf - No proper appreciation for the musicians.

Josef Zybert - I have insufficient information to make a comment

John Hedditch - A "no busking" local law

Rose Godde - Well equipped and convivial purpose specific places and spaces to play and bring audiences Structured support to promote gigs and ways to engage with new audiences, Affordable rehearsal venues.

Alex Schlotze - The Brimbank City Council currently has no policies or strategies around music and there are not enough affordable venues to hire for rehearsals.

John Carbonari - Uncertain, but multiculturalism will always undermine Aussie development

Silvia Tejedor - I assume that the biggest issues facing musicians nowadays is to keep the copyrights of their songs and to collect their royalties. The social media is used so freely that a musician might get exposure but not necessarily any income.

Aaron Ciotti - To my knowledge there not a lot of council accessible programs. I will actively support such programs as they will benefit anyone wanting a release and also build community harmony

Bruce White - No response

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Tauseef Ashraf - First of all they are not many and they are not being looked after as well.

Josef Zybert - I have insufficient information to make a comment

John Hedditch - Noise complaints, car parking and small size of venues

Rose Godde - I am not aware of many live music venues in Brimbank - so if there are any then general community awareness is an issue (at least for me as someone who has lived in Brimbank for 12 years. I do understand that specific ethnic communities promote and tour artists but i am not aware of how much work may be being done to 'home grow' contemporary culturally or ethnic specific music making in this area.

Alex Schlotze - The Brimbank City Council currently has no policies or strategies around supporting or promoting live music with musicians having to rely on established licensed venues. There also appears to be a lack of affordable venues to hire for live music events.

John Carbonari - Uncertain

Silvia Tejedor - I think the biggest issues facing live music venues is security and safety where there seems to be a small number of incidents driven by alcohol and drugs.

Aaron Ciotti - No response

Bruce White - We don't have enough

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Tauseef Ashraf - No

Josef Zybert - No

John Hedditch - No

Rose Godde - No

Alex Schlotze - Yes

John Carbonari - No

Silvia Tejedor - Yes

Aaron Ciotti - No

Bruce White - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Tauseef Ashraf - Need more information

Josef Zybert - Need more information

John Hedditch - Yes

Rose Godde - Yes

Alex Schlotze - Need more information

John Carbonari - Need more information

Silvia Tejedor - Need more information

Aaron Ciotti - Yes

Bruce White - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Tauseef Ashraf - Yes

Josef Zybert - Need more information

John Hedditch - Yes

Rose Godde - Yes

Alex Schlotze - Need more information

John Carbonari - Yes

Silvia Tejedor - Need more information

Aaron Ciotti - Yes

Bruce White - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Tauseef Ashraf - I am not fully aware of these initiatives.

Josef Zybert - I have insufficient information to make a comment

John Hedditch - Building a performing arts centre in St Albans

Rose Godde - I have noticed a couple of hip hop focused programs but as i say I am standing for the first time but as a long term arts aware resident i am not aware of much in the way of informal music making and sharing venues nor am i aware of purpose built facilities. I do know that music will be a program component of the redeveloped Errington Community Centre and the Leigh Bowery Theatre in St Albans. It is also possible that there is an amount of music making happening within community based facilities that focus on the interests of specific age groups ie pre school, senior citizens clubs.

Alex Schlotze - The Brimbank City Council currently has no policies or strategies in place to support music in the municipality.

John Carbonari - None

Silvia Tejedor - A new theatre, Bowery Theatre at St Albans Community Centre, is nearly complete and will provide an opportunity for music and other art forms to be performed.

Aaron Ciotti - I am unaware of any initiatives in Brimbank

Bruce White - I run annual live concert music festival called rock the rail at the Sunshine Station in March as the president of the local Business group. No others exist

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Tauseef Ashraf - Grants and support, Arrange free rehearsal spaces, will partner with music victoria to run workshops in Brimbank area

Josef Zybert - I have insufficient information to make a comment

John Hedditch - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Rose Godde - I think a high priority may be a mapping project to identify current resources, music provision, unmet interests, barriers to participation for musicians and audiences etc.

Alex Schlotze - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practices Investigating the introduction of grants and council support for all ages gigs

John Carbonari - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Silvia Tejedor - 1) Grants and support for all ages gigs 2) Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops 3) Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Aaron Ciotti - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Bruce White - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Tauseef Ashraf - Need more information

Josef Zybert - Need more information

John Hedditch - No

Rose Godde - Need more information

Alex Schlotze - Need more information

John Carbonari - Need more information

Silvia Tejedor - Need more information

Aaron Ciotti - Need more information

Bruce White - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Tauseef Ashraf - Yes

Josef Zybert - N/A

John Hedditch - Yes

Rose Godde - N/A

Alex Schlotze - N/A

John Carbonari - N/A

Silvia Tejedor - N/A

Aaron Ciotti - N/A

Bruce White - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Tauseef Ashraf - Yes

Josef Zybert - Yes

John Hedditch - Yes

Rose Godde - Yes

Alex Schlotze - Yes

John Carbonari - Yes

Silvia Tejedor - Yes

Aaron Ciotti - Yes

Bruce White - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Tauseef Ashraf - Music is life. Lets alive each other with the passion of music.

Josef Zybert - My answer to Q14 might be changed by Community views. My main objective as Councillor is to give effect to the idea 'We the People are taking back control'. This objective will be achieved by transforming Brimbank Council into the living expression of the Will of the People. The process for this is explained on Twitter: @DrJZ_Grasslands

Rose Godde - Brimbank is one of the fastest growing communities in Victoria. There are many different ethnic groups for whom music serves different purposes in different cultural and community settings. A plan for music in Brimbank needs to engage across the full gamut of ethnic, age and stakeholder groups to ensure we are building what is and planning for what people wan in their community.

John Carbonari - Australian culture is enhanced by folk originated music. Multiculturalism undermines Aussie folk music

Silvia Tejedor - I love music and I think it is important for our well being and soul. I will do whatever I can and within my power to support Music Victoria's concerns.

Buloke Shire Council

Lower Avoca Ward (2 vacancies, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr POLLARD, David Thomas

No Email Address Provided

Mr GETLEY, Alan Ronald

Did Not Respond

Mrs SIMPSON, Bronwyn Mary

Did Not Respond

Mr SHAW, John J.

Did Not Respond

Mallee Ward (2 vacancies, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mr McLEAN, Murray Thomas

Did Not Respond

Mrs WHITE, Ellen

See Response Below

Mr VIS, David John

Did Not Respond

Mount Jeffcott Ward (3 vacancies, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr WARREN, Daryl

Did Not Respond

Mr MILNE, Graeme Leon

Did Not Respond

Mr BEASLEY, Brendan James

See Response Below

Mrs STEWART, Carolyn

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Buloke Shire Council 2016: 11

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Ellen White - Most kinds

Brendan James Beasley - Recorded and live music of most genres

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Ellen White - Our council has not provided direct support to the music industry, however, we have supported Freeza events and Cool Skools

Brendan James Beasley - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Richard Sherman - They need to market themselves and compete with other forms of entertainment. Same everywhere not just in Cardinia.

David Phillips -

Jesse Christie - As I'm not a musicians, I can not speak for them. But as a local resident, I can imagine it is very hard to find support and funding from the current Council and how they operate.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Restriction on venue operating hours and the fact that there is not many in Cardinia Shire.

Richard Sherman - Not a local musician so not sure. Have seen a few playing at local cafe gigs etc but I think organised events etc like The Basin Music festival in Knox could help musicians get exposure. Musicians need to take responsibility for selling themselves and groups like Music Victoria help devise, promote and stage events relevant to the local population.

David Phillips -

Jesse Christie - As seen with other venue applications towards council for planning applications, it has been very difficult over the past year to obtain planing approval due to exisiting venues in place.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Yes

Richard Sherman - No

David Phillips - No

Jesse Christie - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Yes

Richard Sherman - No

David Phillips - Need more information

Jesse Christie - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Yes

Richard Sherman - Yes

David Phillips - Need more information

Jesse Christie - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Not a lot happening for musicians in Cardinia.

Richard Sherman - Not a current Councillor or directly involved with Cardinia Shire Council, so not sure. Local media often covers new bands and local musicians but not sure if there is a coordinated approach to encouraging and helping local musicians perform.

David Phillips - Unsure

Jesse Christie - How focus groups with people who are involved to see their issues in the area and how our support would help.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Yes

Richard Sherman - would say that Music Victoria need to take the lead in creating and promoting ideas that help local musicians to prosper. I am sure that is their role and responsibility. Council need to be responsive to this and help where they can with venue access etc. I love live music and enjoy it immensely but it has always been difficult to commercialise music so musicians earn a decent living. What are Music Victoria doing to help local musicians to foster their craft and commercialise their music and performances in the Cardinia Shire?

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - No

Richard Sherman - Yes

David Phillips - Need more information

Jesse Christie - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Yes

Richard Sherman - N/A

David Phillips -

Jesse Christie - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - Yes

Richard Sherman - Yes

David Phillips - Yes

Jesse Christie - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Vanessa Marie Van Gramberg - In an area like Cardinia there is so much talent. We have limited entertainment opportunities at present and I would like to see this changed. Common sense plays a big part here in ensuring residents are not impacted negatively and that Musicians are given the opportunity to practice their craft for the enjoyment of others.

Richard Sherman - I would suggest that Music Victoria not look at Council as hindering the development of the local music scene but suggest practical ways to help promote live music locally. Residents generally love live local entertainment but the commercial reality that shrouds all business ideas affects musicians too. Would I like to see more local live music. Simple answer yes!

Casey City Council

Balla Balla Ward (1 vacancy, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Mr LUXMOORE, Ross John

No Email Address Provided

Mr ABLETT, Geoff

Did Not Respond

Mr RENNICK, Tom C.

See Response Below

Ms SAHHAR, Linda Marina

No Email Address Provided

Mr LAMATTINA, Frank

No Email Address Provided

Edrington Ward (2 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Mr KRUITHOFF, Glenn

See Response Below

Mr PERERA, Ray

Did Not Respond

Ms SEREY, Susan

Did Not Respond

Mr DISSANAYAKE, Anthony

Did Not Respond

Mr JACKSON, Timothy

Did Not Respond

Mr WILLIAMS, James

Did Not Respond

Mr LARKINS, Russell

Did Not Respond

Mr BAIRD, Riley

See Response Below

Mr MORLAND, Mick

Did Not Respond

Mrs PRVULJ, Sandra

No Email Address Provided

Four Oaks Ward (2 vacancies, 21 candidates)

Candidates

Mr. ERLENWEIN, Barry

Did Not Respond

Mr LIPSKI, Dominik

No Email Address Provided

Mrs CRESTANI, Rosalie

Did Not Respond

Miss MIRRA, Natasha

No Email Address Provided

Mr OATES, Brian

See Response Below

Mrs BALMES, Shar

See Response Below

Mr ANDREWS, Chris

Did Not Respond

Mr BEEBY, Rick

No Email Address Provided

Mr BAGON, Rod

Did Not Respond

Mr KLEMMER, Bill

Did Not Respond

Mr AHMED, Afroz

Did Not Respond

Mr SARGEANT, Chris

See Response Below

Mr BARROW, Richard

See Response Below

Mr TYSZKA, Bart

Did Not Respond

Miss GILICH, Milla

No Email Address Provided

Mr LAWLER, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr JURICEVIC, Nicholas

Did Not Respond

Mr SAMUEL, Lyndon

Did Not Respond

Mr PALATSIDES, Nikolaous

See Response Below

Mr GLAZEBROOK, John David

No Email Address Provided

Mr KAPLON, Rafal

Did Not Respond

Mayfield Ward (2 vacancies, 18 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs LOKOT, Suzanne

Did Not Respond

Miss SAFA, Shabnam

Did Not Respond

Mrs WALDEN, Jenni

See Response Below

Mr PUTTA, Aravind

See Response Below

Mr WARD, Rob

Did Not Respond

Mr SMITH, Graham Lindsay

Did Not Respond

Mr CRANE, Colin

No Email Address Provided

Mr ELVISH, Paul

Did Not Respond

Ms STAPLEDON, Amanda

Did Not Respond

Miss HALSALL, Rebecca

Did Not Respond

Mr BANERJEE, Sid

See Response Below

Mr BEARDON, Steve

See Response Below

Mr ROWE, Gary J.

Did Not Respond

Mr RAJPUT, Parampreet Singh

Did Not Respond

Mr PATEL, Sepalkumar

Did Not Respond

Mr CASPERSZ, Hans

See Response Below

Mr VARGHESE, Jimmy

Did Not Respond

Mrs KAUR, Kuldeep

Did Not Respond

River Gum Ward (2 vacancies, 15 candidates)

Candidates

Mr REXHEPI, Aladin

See Response Below

Mr HUMPHRIES, Reuben

Did Not Respond

Mr FONSEKA, Gamini

Did Not Respond

Mr SACCO, Robert

No Email Address Provided

Mr ROSARIO, Damien

Did Not Respond

Mr SMITH, Wayne

See Response Below

Mrs SKALIARIS, Elizabeth-Rose

No Email Address Provided

Mrs WISE, Anne-Maree

Did Not Respond

Mr RAMDANY, Pravin

See Response Below

Mr SPENCER, Ian

Did Not Respond

Ms KELEHER, Lynette

See Response Below

Mr GULZARI, John

See Response Below

Mr MAHMOOD, Malik Atif

Did Not Respond

Mr NAYAK, Nagaraj

Did Not Respond

Mr FLANIGAN, Robert Peter

See Response Below

Springfield Ward (2 vacancies, 15 candidates)

Candidates

Mr FLANNERY, Rex

Did Not Respond

Ms MENDIS, Kasuni

See Response Below

Mr AZIZ, Sam

Did Not Respond

Mr NAJIBI, Faisal

Did Not Respond

Mr GREWAL, Sukhminder Singh

No Email Address Provided

Ms MAVROUDIS, Rhonda

No Email Address Provided

Ms HARRISS, Kayla

Did Not Respond

Mrs GEDYE, Cassandra

No Email Address Provided

Mr HASSAN, Waleed

No Email Address Provided

Mr BARGASHOUN, Anthony

No Email Address Provided

Mr PAGE, Garry

Did Not Respond

Mr RICHARDSON, Paul

Did Not Respond

Mr McCORMACK, Rory

No Email Address Provided

Mrs BERKELMANS, Louise

See Response Below

Mr ALTER, Stephen

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Casey City Council 2016: 84

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Tom Rennick - I am happy to listen to most styles of music, depending on the day depends on my style

Shar Balmes - Very much depends on my mood. My appreciation for various genres is vast - I like a heavy, loud beat when I'm cleaning house; light classical at dinner time; pop when I'm cooking; swing/crooning just whenever; love me a bit of country but also like occasional reggae. The only music I don't enjoy is heavy metal or densely hard rock.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Tom Rennick - N/A

Glenn Kruithoff - N/A

Riley Baird - N/A

Brian Oats - I was previously on Council 11 years ago and back then we did have many more events and events featuring music. Bands and choirs were encouraged and supported from our diverse community, many seem to have folded now. I would like to see those events and arts take a more prominent position in the residents leisure activities.

Shar Balmes - I served 2008-2012. During that time we endeavoured to support our local music schools and artists by promoting them and hiring them for civic functions and community events. We also planned and approved a wonderful new complex that includes performance theatres, studios and concert venues both indoor and outdoor.

Chris Sargeant - N/A

Richard Barrow - N/A

Nikolaous Palatsides - N/A

Jenni Walden - N/A

Aravind Putta - N/A

Sid Banerjee - N/A

Steve Beardon - I have served a few years back. As an outer municipality, we sponsored and encouraged various festivals, invested in arts funding, and encouraged the development of music appreciation across all age groups thru direct investment in infrastructure, grants and the promotion of outdoor concerts, festivals and venues.

Hans Caspersz - N/A

Aladin Rexhepi - N/A

Wayne Smith - I have been on the Casey Council for over 19 years. I'm am the main advocate for the Arts in Casey and have overseen the following: Formation of the 'Arts & Cultural Advisory Committee' The establishment of the Cranbourne & Hallam Community Theatres Initated a Council policy to ensure the Council PAYS all performers for those appearing at Council events Initiated the development of 'Bunjil Place', Casey's new Cultural centre comprising 2 theatres, art gallery, library and outdoor plaza with big screen Initiated a 'Live Music Venue' policy for Casey to assist the establishment of live music venues Initiated the development of 'The Factory', Casey's rehearsal venue which also includes a low hire cost recording studio and band rehearsal spaces

Pravin Ramdany - N/A

Lynette Keleher - Casey does fairly well to support artists. More can be done though to make more use of existing facilities and more effort can be made to penetrate this sector in this area. There are many struggling emerging artists who get no support from council. My daughter is one of them.

John Gulzari - N/A

Rob Flanigan - N/A

Kasuni Mendis - N/A

Louise Berkelmans - I am a huge supporter of the arts. Casey Council is about to deliver a $125 million cultural centre. With a 800 seat theatre, multi purpose space, library, cafe, open air perormance space and civic centre. We pride ourselves on providing platforms for local artists to perform. I have been in performing arts and music for 25 years. One of my main goals on council is to support local artists.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Tom Rennick - Limited number of live venues, Musicians have to travel either to CBD or other councils to preform live

Glenn Kruithoff - Opportunity for public performance and recognition in order to develop their skill and receive mentoring support and feedback. The proliferation of self promotion on online music and video streaming sites has provided opportunity to budding musicians to gain far reaching awareness of their talent. However local recognition and opportunity can often be lacking. Councils are uniquely placed to provide local musicians with such opportunity and play their part in promoting local talent.

Riley Baird - There aren't enough free venues for musicians to perform in. Furthermore, you're not allowed to busk in Casey without a $120 permit.

Brian Oats - There is only one live venue that I'm aware of and even the Hallam hotel is not the place it was. I think we need to start having music in our open spaces on a regular basis to encourage residents to take more interest again.

Shar Balmes - Until the above-mentioned venue is completed we lack performance venues.

Chris Sargeant - Venues, remuneration and publicity

Richard Barrow - We need more rehearsal and performance venues.

Nikolaous Palatsides - The size, and the cultural and architectural patchwork of the City of Casey causes many different issues to emerge and this requires planning that addresses that diversity well.

Jenni Walden - I believe the lack of publicity of events or organisations in our municipality is a massive issue and should be focused on more in the future

Aravind Putta - There is a big surge of talented Musicians and we do not have enough venues, funds and not getting enough exposure.

Sid Banerjee - Fund Allocation with no dedicated and specified grants. To get a grant, a budding musician has to tick all the boxes that another non-musical individual or organisation would have to in an appeal process. - Lack of proper infrastructure - Too many unsung heroes with very limited exposure

Steve Beardon - Pokies have had a major negative impact upon live music. Live music is struggling to find suitable venues, and the industry and development of talent is suffering as a result.

Lynette Keleher - Lack of support and opportunities. There are some artists who get council gigs but they tend to be the same people. The schools should be linked in to council.

John Gulzari - Not enough support finiancially and morally.

Rob Flanigan -

Kasuni Mendis - Lack of awareness by the larger community as to the work of musicians.

Louise Berkelmans - Lack of venues. Low pay

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Tom Rennick - limited venues

Glenn Kruithoff - Security of venues and balancing the growing pressure on venues to take greater responsibility over negative behaviour of patrons. - Development surrounding music venues that infringe on their hours of operation and music activities.

Riley Baird - It is difficult for them to find the right balance between providing their services and dealing with noise regulations.

Brian Oats - I can only assume that there is insufficient interest here at present.

Shar Balmes - We have several small venues here, so based on the popularity and advertising of an event parking can be an issue. I don't know what fees, applications or permissions are required by Council for concerts etc - that could be an invoked and complicated process.

Chris Sargeant - Quantity of them ... The only one I know of is the Hallam Hotel

Richard Barrow - Possibly the lure of pokie revenue over live music revenue.

Nikolaous Palatsides - Population growth and the ensuing cultural and demographic changes that follow. Cultural preferences, or objections, around live music venues are also an agent of change impacting upon our local venues.

Jenni Walden - Live music venues in our municipality that can hold large audiences are minimal and again need to be made more accessible to our musicians.

Aravind Putta - Availability of venues for the live events.

Sid Banerjee - Very limited in no. - Lack of proper marketing boost - Lack of updated acoustics and technology - Technicians and technical support are, more often than not, too costly to afford

Steve Beardon - Cash flow. The revenue generated through gigs, is not consistant compared to gaming machine venues. Those venues who have decided not to offer gaming, are not competing on the same level playing field, and often struggle to attract large crowds, in a market where disposable income is shrinking.

Hans Caspersz - Orderly patrionage

Aladin Rexhepi - Security and Crowd control, Drugs.

Wayne Smith - Licensing and operting laws

Pravin Ramdany - youth and crime, it is not a good investments while Casey crime rates keep increasing.

Lynette Keleher - There aren't many. There needs to be changes to planning and by laws to encourage more nightlife in Casey. It is virtually non existent except for a few venues

John Gulzari - Not enough of them

Rob Flanigan - There are none

Kasuni Mendis - Reaching into other demographics in terms of age and ethnicity.

Louise Berkelmans - Noise complaints.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Tom Rennick - Yes

Glenn Kruithoff - Yes

Riley Baird - Yes

Brian Oats - Yes

Shar Balmes - Yes

Chris Sargeant - Yes

Richard Barrow - No

Nikolaous Palatsides - Yes

Jenni Walden - Yes

Aravind Putta - Yes

Sid Banerjee - Yes

Steve Beardon - No

Hans Caspersz - No

Aladin Rexhepi - No

Wayne Smith - Yes

Pravin Ramdany - Yes

Lynette Keleher - Yes

John Gulzari - Yes

Rob Flanigan - No

Kasuni Mendis - No

Louise Berkelmans - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Tom Rennick - Need more information

Glenn Kruithoff - Yes

Riley Baird - Yes

Brian Oats - Yes

Shar Balmes - Yes

Chris Sargeant - Need more information

Richard Barrow - Yes

Nikolaous Palatsides - Yes

Jenni Walden - Yes

Aravind Putta - Need more information

Sid Banerjee - Need more information

Steve Beardon - Yes

Hans Caspersz - Yes

Aladin Rexhepi - Need more information

Wayne Smith - Yes

Pravin Ramdany - Yes

Lynette Keleher - Yes

John Gulzari - Yes

Rob Flanigan - Yes

Kasuni Mendis - Yes

Louise Berkelmans - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Tom Rennick - Yes

Glenn Kruithoff - Yes

Riley Baird - Yes

Brian Oats - Yes

Shar Balmes - Yes

Chris Sargeant - Yes

Richard Barrow - Yes

Nikolaous Palatsides - Yes

Jenni Walden - Yes

Aravind Putta - Yes

Sid Banerjee - Yes

Steve Beardon - Yes

Hans Caspersz - Yes

Aladin Rexhepi - Yes

Wayne Smith - Yes

Pravin Ramdany - Yes

Lynette Keleher - Yes

John Gulzari - Yes

Rob Flanigan - Need more information

Kasuni Mendis - Yes

Louise Berkelmans - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Tom Rennick - Not enough

Glenn Kruithoff - Casey council run a number of live events throughout the year specifically to promote local music. This includes the support of school based music performance through to regular larger scale outdoor music events during the summer. There is also the provision of access to music workshops by local residents and the opportunity to be involved in council sponsored bands and ensembles.

Riley Baird - At present, council makes life difficult for musicians. If elected, I aim to try to fix these problems (see my response to Q5).

Brian Oats - Nothing that I am aware of, the current Council has been hostile to and likes to remain isolated from their community, until a couple weeks ago

Shar Balmes - As I am not currently serving on Council, or integrally involved I the music community (I'm an appreciators rather than a participant) I am unaware of current initiatives.

Chris Sargeant - The biggest is the construction of an 800 seat theatre... I envisage some pretty wonderful opportunities for musos in the future

Nikolaous Palatsides - I don't know the detail to answer this, however, at festivals and public events live music is often supported by grants from the Council.

Jenni Walden - The construction of Bunjil place is a fantastic undertaking by our municipality and will provide the community and local talent with a fantastic venue.

Aravind Putta - At the moment there are regular music events and gigs for young people.

Sid Banerjee - I am not aware of any specific initiative that the City of Casey council have currently in place that support music directly. Most of its grants are generic and more community organisation based.

Lynette Keleher - Not many. Idol competitions. New theatre proposed but don't know what they will use it for. Doubt for live bands. My daughter has to travel to inner city venues to perform gigs.

John Gulzari - Not enough

Rob Flanigan - Do they have one?

Kasuni Mendis - Not much, as far as I'm aware.

Louise Berkelmans - We have brought to council the music plan that has been adopted in sydney.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Tom Rennick - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Glenn Kruithoff - The radio buttons on this form do not allow for more than one selection to be made. Casey council already provide support for all age gigs and provide rehearsal spaces for local musicians. Loading zones provided at venues should include musicians during hours associated with live events and all venues should definitely be encouraged to operate using safe practices (the form does not explain the definition of inclusive). Music Victoria would be an excellent partner to assist supporting live music in the Casey council.

Riley Baird - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Brian Oats - All of the above and, as I said, regular events where music is a feature in open spaces throughout the municipality.

Shar Balmes - I like all of the above initiatives and would be happy o see these established in the City of Casey.

Chris Sargeant - All of the above... Love to host Groovin the moo

Richard Barrow - All of the listed initiatives have merit.

Nikolaous Palatsides - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues Grants and support for all ages gigs Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Jenni Walden - I would support the introduction of Grants, and partnering with Music Victoria to run development workshops in our area. It would be of a high priority to also encourage local venues to operate using save and inclusive practices.

Aravind Putta - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Steve Beardon - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Hans Caspersz - Pretty much all of the above to various extents

Aladin Rexhepi - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Wayne Smith - Probably all of the above - if you do some research, you'll find that Casey is very 'live music' friendly and this has mostly been due to my lobbying & initiatives

Pravin Ramdany - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Lynette Keleher - Yes I would support all.

John Gulzari - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Rob Flanigan - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Kasuni Mendis - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Louise Berkelmans - All of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Tom Rennick - Need more information

Glenn Kruithoff -

Riley Baird - No

Brian Oats - No

Shar Balmes - Yes

Chris Sargeant - Need more information

Richard Barrow - Need more information

Nikolaous Palatsides - Need more information

Jenni Walden - Need more information

Aravind Putta - No

Sid Banerjee - No

Steve Beardon - No

Hans Caspersz - Yes

Aladin Rexhepi - No

Wayne Smith - Yes

Pravin Ramdany - No

Lynette Keleher - No

John Gulzari - No

Rob Flanigan - Need more information

Kasuni Mendis - Need more information

Louise Berkelmans - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Tom Rennick - N/A

Glenn Kruithoff -

Riley Baird - Yes

Brian Oats - Yes

Shar Balmes - Yes

Chris Sargeant - N/A

Richard Barrow - Yes

Nikolaous Palatsides - N/A

Jenni Walden - N/A

Aravind Putta - Yes

Sid Banerjee - Yes

Steve Beardon -

Hans Caspersz - N/A

Aladin Rexhepi - Yes

Wayne Smith - N/A

Pravin Ramdany - Yes

Lynette Keleher - Yes

John Gulzari - Yes

Rob Flanigan - Yes

Kasuni Mendis - N/A

Louise Berkelmans - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Tom Rennick - Yes

Glenn Kruithoff - Yes

Riley Baird - Yes

Brian Oats - Yes

Shar Balmes - Yes

Chris Sargeant - Yes

Richard Barrow - Yes

Nikolaous Palatsides - Yes

Jenni Walden - Yes

Aravind Putta - Yes

Sid Banerjee - Yes

Steve Beardon - Yes

Hans Caspersz - Yes

Aladin Rexhepi - Yes

Wayne Smith - Yes

Pravin Ramdany - No

Lynette Keleher - Yes

John Gulzari - Yes

Rob Flanigan - Yes

Kasuni Mendis - Yes

Louise Berkelmans - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Tom Rennick - Should I be elected I would be happy to meet with a representative from Music Victoria to discuss way we can improve the City of Casey via music and assist people in this field.

Glenn Kruithoff - In regard to question 12, i am not aware of the complete budget spent on the promotion and support of the music industry in Casey, and as such I cannot answer this question. However given that Casey Council is in the middle of building a new multi-million dollar arts precinct, and already has a strong commitment to promoting live music events, and provides rehearsal and performance spaces in its cranbourne hub, I would suggest that its funding is already strong. however I would be open to proposals for an increase in funding if it meets the strategic aims of the council and fits within the councils governance risk profile.

Richard Barrow - Thank you. As a lifelong concert goer, I know the power and value of live music.

Sid Banerjee - I am happy to be a part of any discussion or seminar that involves in the uplift of focus on development of music in my council area. I commend you to for taking this initiative of reaching out to all the councillor candidates though I don't think more than half of them would have any clue or any positive intent to be a part of the movement as this may not fit in their political agenda....doesn't matter...I am and will be with you in this ! All the best.

Hans Caspersz - Not sure about question 12 or how such a scheme would work.

Aladin Rexhepi - Music promotes peace and unity - it is the universal language of love and should be promoted everywhere.

Wayne Smith - Please do some research - I think you would discover that Casey is 'super' supportive of the arts already but can always do even more/better!

Lynette Keleher - My daughter is a muso and I can see the struggle with emerging and older artists who have limited opportunity here.

John Gulzari - I will promote and increase funding and grants for more inclusive music and arts project in the city of Casey.

Central Goldfields Shire Council

Flynn Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr DI BIASE, Costa

See Response Below

Mr HENDERSON, Robert

Did Not Respond

Maryborough Ward (4 vacancies, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Mr LOVETT, Geoff

Did Not Respond

Mr ARBUTHNOT, Neil James

Did Not Respond

MS McIVOR, Wendy

No Email Address Provided

Mr MURPHY, Gerard

No Email Address Provided

Ms NIXON, Paula Jacqueline

Did Not Respond

Paddys Ranges Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr MEDDOWS-TAYLOR, Chris

Did Not Respond

Tullaroop Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs BROAD, Helen Ann

No Email Address Provided

Mrs PERRY, Janine

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Central Goldfields Shire Council 2016: 10

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Costa Di Biase - Live music, all sorts from G&S to Blues.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Costa Di Biase - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Costa Di Biase - Access to venues.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Costa Di Biase - I am not sure, I would like to find out though. As a member of our local Gilbert and Sullivan Society, I find it is insurance and licensing in our case.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Costa Di Biase - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Costa Di Biase - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Costa Di Biase - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Costa Di Biase - Not sure, haven't noticed much.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Costa Di Biase - All seem like a good idea, the second one probably doesn't apply to us though.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Costa Di Biase - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Costa Di Biase - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Costa Di Biase - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Costa Di Biase - An area I would like to look in to further.

Colac Otway Shire Council

Colac Otway Shire Council (7 vacancies, 21 candidates)

Candidates

Ms BENSON, Janine C.

Did Not Respond

Miss CASS, Melinda Jessica

Did Not Respond

Mr SMITH, Chris

Did Not Respond

Mr McCRACKEN, Joe

See Response Below

Mr WEBBER, Tony

See Response Below

Mr SCHRAM, Jason

No Email Address Provided

Mr GERMANO, David

See Response Below

Mrs MYERS, Glynis

Did Not Respond

Mr BUCHANAN, Frank

Did Not Respond

Mr COLLINS, Daryl Anthony Amezdroz

Did Not Respond

Mr BEALE, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mrs HANSON, Kate

Did Not Respond

Mr POTTER, Chris

Did Not Respond

Mr DELAHUNTY, Michael

No Email Address Provided

Mr YATES, Paul Thomas

See Response Below

Mr WOODCROFT, Terry

No Email Address Provided

Mr HART, Stephen

See Response Below

Ms FRANCIS, Yvonne Lo-An

No Email Address Provided

Mr BUCHANAN, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr CROOK, Brian

Did Not Respond

Mr McCALLUM, Mark

See Response Below

Total candidates for Colac Otway Shire Council 2016: 21

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Joe McCracken - Pop, rock and some classical

Tony Webber - Jazz, World Music & Classical

David Germano - Anything and everything

Paul Thomas Yates - rock, country, clasic

Stephen Hart - Mainly 60s to 80s popular music.

Mark McCallum - Classical, rock, some blues and country

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Joe McCracken - N/A

Tony Webber - N/A

David Germano - N/A

Paul Thomas Yates - N/A

Stephen Hart - Council has a grants program for community events hosted in local towns, to subsidise fees for using the Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre (COPACC) for rehearsal & hosting of an event and for community groups, more broadly, to obtain assistance to purchase equipment.

Mark McCallum - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Joe McCracken - lack of demand for live music - a lack of interest - there is limited employment or money making opportunities to sustain the industry

Tony Webber - Lack of opportunity to earn a living to support their art

David Germano - Getting their name out to the public and getting a chance to show off what they can do.

Paul Thomas Yates - lack of venues willing to play live music

Stephen Hart - Access to venues for rehearsal and performance.

Mark McCallum - Unaware of any specific issues

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Joe McCracken - lack of demand for live music - venues that may not appeal to the wider public

Stephen Hart - Colac Otway is currently developing its first ever "Arts & Culture" strategy. I believe that the music strategy should be a part of that broader strategy.

Mark McCallum - Not aware of whether this is an issue in my area

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Joe McCracken - music festivals and similar such events, supported by council - encouraging musicians to have business plans so they can be financially self sufficient - ensuring musicians are aware of local by-laws and permit arrangements

Stephen Hart - Council already provides some options for subsidised use of COPACC for rehearsal. If elected, I would be happy to consider any of the above suggestions but it needs to be driven by the local community rather than making commitments, with no indication of cost, as part of a pre-election candidate survey.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Joe McCracken - Need more information

Tony Webber - Yes

David Germano - Need more information

Paul Thomas Yates - Need more information

Stephen Hart - Need more information

Mark McCallum - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Joe McCracken - N/A

Tony Webber - N/A

David Germano - N/A

Paul Thomas Yates - Yes

Stephen Hart - N/A

Mark McCallum - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Joe McCracken - No

Tony Webber - Yes

David Germano - Yes

Paul Thomas Yates - Yes

Stephen Hart - Yes

Mark McCallum - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Joe McCracken - I want to support musicians by: - building and maintaining our shires roads so musicians can get to events safely - maintain footpaths properly so buskers don't have pedestrians tripping over, or causing safety issues - have local parks and gardens that are well planned out and maintained: musicians can use these spaces to practice and share their talents with the community - ensure rubbish collection is efficient so that musicians/buskers can practice and perform in an environment that is clean, healthy and safe.

Tony Webber - Thank you.

Paul Thomas Yates - music is like sport to a community it brings people together and improves wellbeing

Stephen Hart - I encourage interested community members to forward their views to Council to help shape Colac Otway's first "Arts & Culture" strategy.

Steph Amir - Lots! Mostly indie, pop, rock, 90s, even oldies and classical sometimes. Usually I listen to Triple J. I am also in an a capella community choir and on the board of a community radio station.

Russell Hayward - Broad range but hope to continue to enjoy live pub music

Joe Cutri - all sorts just love music

Diana Pais - Various, from pop, classical, rock, country to latin and techno

Amy Stubberfield - Rock, Pop and Dance

Rocky Dabscheck - Many styles. I am a performing musician. My instrument is the guitar, hence I am attracted to guitar flavoured music.

Mark Tregonning - Access to funding - Access to affordable rehearsal and performance spaces (though the Active Spaces program in Darebin has gone some way to addressing this) - Unequal distribution of venues in the council (great music venues in Northcote but less so in Preston or Reservoir) - Cost of living and housing affordability hits all artists hard, forcing them to spend more time in their "day job", less time making music.

Lori-Anne Sharp - Darebin is a great place to hear live music, but I would love to see more venues supporting local live musicians and opportunity for community events that incorporate live gigs.

Steph Amir - Access to funding - Access to affordable rehearsal and performance spaces (though the Active Spaces program in Darebin has gone some way to addressing this) - Unequal distribution of venues in the council (great music venues in Northcote but less so in Preston or Reservoir)

Russell Hayward - Access to appropriate venue and rehearsal space.

Joe Cutri - Pokies, killed live music in my time with less and less venues to play live music

Diana Pais - The lack of support and festival promotion offered by council. A lack of suitable venues and platforms for musicians to collaborate with each other and share ideas and an opportunities to engage with and mentor young aspiring musicians.

Rocky Dabscheck - Lack of recompense for their efforts, both live and recorded. The diminishing opportunity to play live, especially for musicians presenting their own songs to an audience is of major concern.

John MacISAAC - Venues and events and income for musicians early in their public career. On going support for the arts and music in Darebin.

Kim Le Cerf - Darebin, and Northcote in particular, was a place for affordable housing for musicians, near to many live music venues in the inner city. However this has become increasingly challenging, given the rise in rent. This has meant that a lot of musicians have had to move further north, into suburbs like Preston and Reservoir or even out of Darebin altogether. There is also the risk that some venues may cease to support live music and instead look at pokies as a more attractive income source.

LizLandray - Access to rehearsal studio space, ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, year round Council support, few Arts and Cultural Grants

Bethwyn Mell - I can imagine that housing affordability and income security are major issues, with the need to support themselves actually infringing on their time to actually practice their craft. I also wonder about the availability of affordable practice and recording spaces and finally on the number of venues available for performance.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Lina Messina - Parking... & no open air festival events...

Craig Walters - Knowing who the bands are and getting people (me included) off their arses to go to them

Lionel Liut - LACK OF PATRONS

Andrew Thackrah -

Jessica Doyle - The space and time to perform. Location of venue. The potential reduction in venues due to overdevelopment of spaces previously used for live performance.

Isabel Jackson - in no order: access for parking to load an unload, noise limits, variation in size and types to suit different styles

Mark Tregonning - Poker machines either in places where live music could be (eg Cramer Hotel in Preston) or taking over pub venues and pushing out live music (for example in the Grandview Hotel in Fairfield) - Planning challenges and noise complaints - As above, lack of venues in the north of the council area - Although I don't have specific information about this in regards to music venues, I suspect that live music venues are affected by high rental rates as other tenants in prime locations are considering the above, we have a strong live music scene in Northcote.

Lori-Anne Sharp -

Steph Amir - Planning challenges and noise complaints - As above, lack of venues in the north of the council area - Although I don't have specific information about this in regards to music venues, I suspect that live music venues are affected by high rental rates as other tenants in prime locations are Considering the above, we have a strong live music scene in Northcote that I and many love.

Russell Hayward - Inappropriate development and gentrification issues. Need to ensure new development are responsible for issues such as soundproofing rather than long standing venues.

Joe Cutri - Darebin has some of the great live venues in the state, very proud of the amount of venues in the area and growing.

Diana Pais - The expense incurred on sound proofing a new venue or modifying an existing venue in accordance with change principle reforms. Although the reforms are welcomed and overdue to mitigate residential complaints, I believe venues remain limited in music genre to maintain the applicable decibel range in residential areas.

Amy Stubberfield - Pressure from neighbors over opening times, music levels and restrictions around liquor licenses

Rocky Dabscheck - Bums on seats so to speak. Noise spillage and irate neighbours can prove expensive to assuage. Competing against taped music venues is an issue. Lack of support from governments at every level.

John MacISAAC - Loss of live music venues due to noise rules, restricted hours of operation and conflict with nearby residents. Venue dependence on gambling and poker machines for income.

Kim Le Cerf - The biggest threat is development nearby, which can put live music venues under pressure due to an increase in demand for onstreet parking and noise complaints. Whilst the 'agent ofchange' legislation is welcome, there is uncertainty as to how this will play out in cases where development proposals and new or expanded live music venues are appearing at the same time.

Liz Landray - Ongoing Council support, for example there is a disconnect between Darebin Council recognising the high value of music as a significant contributor to the economic and cultural capital of the City and Council’s limited financial and in-kind support and broad knowledge of the needs of local live music venues.

Bethwyn Mell - Although Darebin generally has one of the largest musician populations in Australia, the further away from the city the less music venues. I imagine the major issue is complaints from residents in regard to music and patron noise and activity. The areas of Darebin closer to the city appear to have a greater tolerance for the potentialconflict with residential development. However with the number of new large housing projects being built this may be a potential issue. The rising costs and limited areas available to locate and sustain a live music venue means there are less possibilities for new venues, particularly in established areas.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Lina Messina - No

Craig Walters - No

Lionel Liut - No

Andrew Thackrah - Yes

Jessica Doyle - Yes

Isabel Jackson - Yes

Mark Tregonning - Yes

Lori-Anne Sharp - Yes

Steph Amir - Yes

Russell Hayward - Yes

Joe Cutri - No

Diana Pais - Yes

Amy Stubberfield - Yes

Rocky Dabscheck - No

John MacISAAC - Yes

Kim Le Cerf - Yes

Liz Landray - Yes

Bethwyn Mell - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Lina Messina - Yes

Craig Walters - Yes

Lionel Liut - Yes

Andrew Thackrah - Yes

Jessica Doyle - Yes

Isabel Jackson - Yes

Mark Tregonning - Yes

Lori-Anne Sharp - Yes

Steph Amir - Yes

Russell Hayward - Yes

Joe Cutri - Yes

Diana Pais - Yes

Amy Stubberfield - Yes

Rocky Dabscheck - Yes

John MacISAAC - Yes

Kim Le Cerf - Yes

Liz Landray - Yes

Bethwyn Mell - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Lina Messina - Yes

Craig Walters - Yes

Lionel Liut - Need more information

Andrew Thackrah - Yes

Jessica Doyle - Yes

Isabel Jackson - Yes

Mark Tregonning - Yes

Lori-Anne Sharp - Yes

Steph Amir - Yes

Russell Hayward - Yes

Joe Cutri - Yes

Diana Pais - Yes

Amy Stubberfield - Yes

Rocky Dabscheck - Yes

John MacISAAC - Yes

Kim Le Cerf - Yes

Liz Landray - Yes

Bethwyn Mell - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Lina Messina - Darebin arts centre,,, to hold events

Craig Walters - Darebin has one of the highest music artists ratio in Australia. We have had a local music festival. The Tourism Strategy tried to play this up (a bit lame). I reckon get JJJ Unearthed to host just a Darebin segment.

Lionel Liut - COUNCIL HAS VENUE AND MAKES IT AVAILABLE AT LITTLE IF ANY COST YET CONCERTS ATTENDANCE ARE VERY POOR

Jessica Doyle - There is not a music strategy in Darebin and one should be developed, as part of the Darebin Arts Partnership Initiative.

Isabel Jackson - I understand from musicians and from the Council Plan that there are small grants and large festivals.

Mark Tregonning - The Darebin Music Feast, featuring 100 events over 10 days. - The Active Spaces program also gives artists access to vacant spaces in prime location to help support local arts. - There are youth music initiatives such as through FReeZA and the Youth Music Center. - Darebin previously hosted the High Street festival and this should be revived. I have also been calling on the council to purchase the Rivoli Theatre in Preston to turn into a community arts hub, including for musicians. All but one of the councillors blocked the motion, but if elected this is something I will continue to pursue, along with other initiatives to support arts and music.

Lori-Anne Sharp - Parking available to musicians outside venues when performing. Provide creative spaces to rehearse and perform. Support initiatives to encourage young people into the music industry.

Steph Amir - The Darebin Music Feast, featuring 100 events over 10 days. - The Active Spaces program also gives artists access to vacant spaces in prime location to help support local arts. - There are youth music initiatives such as through FReeZA and the Youth Music Center. - Darebin previously hosted the High Street festival and this should be revived. I have also been calling on the council to purchase the Rivoli Theatre in Preston to turn into a community arts hub, including for musicians. All but one of the councillors blocked the motion, but if elected this is something I will continue to pursue, along with other initiatives to support arts and music.

Russell Hayward - Darebin music feast for example. There are overlaps with the Council Arts strategy and Tourism strategy.

Joe Cutri - As I'm not in Council its hard to know

Diana Pais - Annual music feast running over 10 days between October and November.

Amy Stubberfield - A new recording studio has recently opened in the reservoir library which allows musicians to record and practice their music.

Rocky Dabscheck - To be honest, not as much as they should.

John MacISAAC - "Every year, Melbourne’s thriving music community comes together to celebrate songwriting and music at the Darebin Music Feast.". "The FReeZA program is a part of the Victorian State Government funded FReeZA initiative that gives young people the opportunity to lead the planning and staging of live music and cultural events within their local communities."

Kim Le Cerf - Darebin currently has an Arts Strategy and a standing committee which includes representatives from the local music industry and venues. There are a number of festivals and events throughout the year that profile live music, most notably the Darebin Music Feast.

Liz Landray - There are several Darebin Council initiatives that support and showcase music including, Decibels Records, FReeZA, Darebin’s Community Grants Program, the annual music festival, The Darebin Music Feast that I established in 1996 and Directed for 5 years, Carols in All Nations and the music programs in other Darebin Festivals and events.

Bethwyn Mell - Council programs include: the Darebin Music Feast including the Reservoir Stomp; the true north arts festival and finally The FreeZA program for underage performers and patrons; support for community music organisations including the Preston Symphony Orchestra and Darebin Brass Band; provision of managed spaces including Northcote Town Hall and Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Lina Messina - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Craig Walters - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Lionel Liut - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Andrew Thackrah - I'm keen, in particular, to expand the use of free or subsidised rehearsal spaces in Darebin.

Jessica Doyle - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Isabel Jackson - Probably all of the above because they are interconnected. However, I fully support initiatives that encourage experimenting, collaborating and playing music for its own sake, rather than an emphasis on being a commercial enterprise. I don't believe that there is anything wrong from making money from the arts but commercial 'success' shouldn't be the primary goal, imo.

Mark Tregonning - I would support all of these. Free rehearsal space would need to be subject to capacity and balance other competing interests (eg other arts)

Lori-Anne Sharp - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Steph Amir - I'd support all of these initiatives.

Russell Hayward - All of the above

Joe Cutri - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Diana Pais - Annual music feast running over 10 days between October and November.

Amy Stubberfield - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Rocky Dabscheck - All the above are excellent initiatives. Council should support a song writing competition. A battle of the bands, open only to acts performing their own material A council sponsored music show on community radio More support for instrumental music lessons in local government schools

John MacISAAC - A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality? Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues Grants and support for all ages gigs Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Kim Le Cerf - Free rehearsal spaces already provided, but could be expanded; grants and support for all ages gigs are already provided, however are at risk. I will safeguard through supporting community grants program; partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops; encouraging local venues to operation using safe and inclusive practises. Greens Cr Trent McCarthy has already pushed for this through the LGBTIQ policies he has introduced on Council.

Liz Landray - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues (I would support, free and affordable rehearsal spaces in council owned and other appropriate venues, the Community Grants venue hire scheme could be expanded to included a component for in-kind rehearsal hire space); musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues (I would support musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues); grants for all age gigs (this is already happening with the Darebin FReeZA program); I would support grants for all-age gigs (a dedicated grants program would be a welcome addition to the existing Darebin FReeZA program and theDecibels Records initiative), partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops (I would support a partnership with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops.The Darebin Music Feast program includes a range of professional development workshops each year. Music Victoria workshops would be a welcome addition); and encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises (the significant economic benefit in Darebin for local music venue operators depends on venues operating using safe and inclusive practises. I would encourage this).Bethwyn Mell - 1,2,4,5

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Lina Messina - No

Craig Walters - No

Lionel Liut - Yes

Andrew Thackrah - No

Jessica Doyle - No

Isabel Jackson - Need more information

Mark Tregonning - No

Lori-Anne Sharp - No

Steph Amir - Need more information

Russell Hayward - No

Joe Cutri - No

Diana Pais - No

Amy Stubberfield - No

Rocky Dabscheck - No

John MacISAAC - Need more information

Kim Le Cerf - No

Liz Landray - No

Bethwyn Mell - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Lina Messina - Yes

Craig Walters - Yes

Lionel Liut - N/A

Andrew Thackrah - Yes

Jessica Doyle - Yes

Isabel Jackson - N/A

Mark Tregonning - Yes

Lori-Anne Sharp - Yes

Steph Amir - Yes

Russell Hayward - Yes

Joe Cutri - Yes

Diana Pais - Yes

Amy Stubberfield - Yes

Rocky Dabscheck - Yes

John MacISAAC - Yes

Kim Le Cerf - Yes

Liz Landray - Yes

Bethwyn Mell - No/Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Lina Messina - Yes

Craig Walters - Yes

Lionel Liut - Yes

Andrew Thackrah - Yes

Jessica Doyle - Yes

Isabel Jackson - Yes

Mark Tregonning - Yes

Lori-Anne Sharp - Yes

Steph Amir - Yes

Russell Hayward - Yes

Joe Cutri - Yes

Diana Pais - Yes

Amy Stubberfield - Yes

Rocky Dabscheck - Yes

John MacISAAC - Yes

Kim Le Cerf - Yes

Liz Landray - Yes

Bethwyn Mell - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Lina Messina - Australian radio, tv supports Overseas artists above our own. Airplay is limited and lack of respect for their craft is given. talented musicians go overseas to receive respect for their craft. They should be respected here first.

Craig Walters - So I am amazed at the quality of music I pick up off JJJ Unearthed; as good as anything from the 60s, 70s, etc etc. Then I download it and see that 7 others have also done that!! What? Just 7? How the hell do they get time to make music as well as keep boidy and soul together! In essence, it's unjust. Building houses building music; how can the balance of recognising equal and valid contribution in a money based society be recognised? By the way, music doesn't have to be loud to be good. Like candidates; big billboards, big egos.

Isabel Jackson - Thank you. My general comments are in #11. I am mainly interested in dance and music is a key area. How great it would be to have more collaborations and live music at dance gigs - not discounting being able to dance at music gigs.

Mark Tregonning - I like a comprehensive review on how our Council deals with all these issues, including other art forms (eg fine arts, theatre, dance) before committing to implementing change.

Lori-Anne Sharp - I am a huge supporter of musicians and live music and if elected would support initiatives to increase the live music scene in Darebin. Music has the power to connect all communities, regardless of age,race or ethnicity. It brings people great joy. Gratitude to all the makers of the melody.

Steph Amir - I've been speaking to individual musicians in Darebin (and as mentioned above I've involved in community music in Darebin myself), but would need to undertake more comprehensive consultation to fully understand and address the issues.

Russell Hayward - I believe it is important to support our local talent and welcome visiting talent and ensure that there are always spaces protected for and created for our music

Joe Cutri - Questions 12,13,14 are hard to know without looking at the funding/grants process. But as a Musician myself I would like to support music in Darebin,

Amy Stubberfield - I would just like to add that it is important for councils to help support all of their residents. As an active and inclusive cultural art program benefits the community in several way including financially by drawing people into the area, and if done right can foster a more inclusive community.

Rocky Dabscheck - Musicians of all ages should be supported

John MacISAAC - Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Music Victoria survey. regards John MacISAAC

Kim Le Cerf - Thanks for the opportunity to respond to these question and raise awareness of important issues musicians and live music venues face, particularly as our city grows and changes.

LizLandray - As a University music graduate I value music making in our community as an intrinsic to community connectedness and in developing our vibrant and unique cultural identity. To ensure Darebin Council is on track in its role as a music leader and supporter I would like to see Council create opportunities to engage regularly with a wide cross-section of local music makers.

Bethwyn Mell - I feelthat it is very difficult to answer these questions definitively and comprehensively because: I am not now nor ever have been a councillor, and the sheer number of programs and strategies, committees and service groups is huge and the structure and organisation of the council is complex and difficult to access information about easily and quickly (unless it is a specialist and sole issue of concern, in which case through trial and error, talking to people and deducing who are the right people to supply information)

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Peter Neal - No

Ian Campbell - Yes

Deb Foskey - No

Jackson Roberts - No

Marianne Pelz - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Peter Neal - Yes

Ian Campbell - N/A

Deb Foskey - Yes

Jackson Roberts - Yes

Marianne Pelz - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Peter Neal - Yes

Ian Campbell - Yes

Deb Foskey - Yes

Jackson Roberts - Yes

Marianne Pelz - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Peter Neal - A lot of these questions EGSC already does but happy to improve what is already in place.

Ian Campbell - If we want East Gippsland communities to attract more tourists and residents, music is part of the mix.

Deb Foskey - The situation in rural areas is very different to urban issues. Here its the cost involved in travel etc which limits the ability to hire musicians. In past, bringing in people to run workshops as well as gigs has been best strategy.

Marianne Pelz - I would support rehearsals in council buildings if they are not in competition to legitimate musicians making a living in the region

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Rebekah Spelman - I offered financial and moral support (of which the financial support was unfortunately defeated by the majority of councillors) in 2013 to the start up of The Voice Frankston, which has since gone on for several years to become a hugely popular local music competition. I have also supported other community music and dance programs with assistance from the Frankston Community Grants program including the All Stars dance group others.

John Billing - N/A

Tom Christensen - N/A

Suzette Tayler - Music festivals such as Frankston guitar festival , Anywhere festival at Frankston Art Centre, The song Room I am a very big supporter , The Voice Frankston and may others including Frankston Symphony Orchestra

Prasad Phillip - N/A

J.R. Perez - N/A

Alex Breden - N/A

Lillian O'Connor - N/A

Claire Houston - N/A

Sandra Mayer - I recently presented an award to a volunteer group called Fresh start sounds, assisted them with getting the community piano tuned, and applying for a grant

Samantha Smith - N/A

William Schaefer - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Rebekah Spelman - I honestly do not know the answer to this question but I would be more than willing to learn.

John Billing - I believe singers are supported to some capacity with Frankston's "The Voice" competition, however, as a City with such a history in the Australian Music Industry, I feel that their is perhaps insufficient affordable opportunities for musicians available to up and coming as well as local established artists. As a former Radio Announcer and DJ, I have seen this not just in my own municipality, but others as well. Many artists simply give up as it all appears too hard for want of a better term. Those who do get the opportunity to record a demo for example are then faced with the challenge of marketing it. This is an area where I have also had some, albeit limited experience, woking with such notable artists as Kelle Hoggart who most know from her days in Hi5. Some older people may even recall her days in Teen Queens, but not many would know that she was once a Rave artist also under the name of Insomnia working with DJ Insomnia. Similarly, I have also worked in Sound Engineering also and learnt how difficult it is for artist to get gigs without being taken advantage of by venues and various forms of Management alike.

Tom Christensen - The issue of being heard. There are venues but musicians need to get an audience and there should be more music festivals, talent competitions, community radio support, and JJJ radio supporting local Aussie musicians.

Suzette Tayler - I believe they need more exposure and that is something I would like to address if elected. Also special funding for those that cannot afford to go further with their music

Prasad Phillip - Not enough promotion for the industry and artists.

J.R. Perez - An absolute lack of support in terms of musical (sic) education, career path, high licensing fees, removal of intellectual/creative property and community interest.

Lillian O'Connor - For musicians, getting paid for the work they do (low pay) and finding affordable venues to rehearse and perform are also key issues. Venues face difficulties with parking and traffic, inadequate late-night public transport, alcohol-related amenity issues and if they want to expand, objections from neighbours.

Claire Houston - getting 'airtime'; having the opportunity to perform in front of an audience at live venues.

Sandra Mayer - They need a permit to Busk, only allowed certain areas.

Samantha Smith - Exposure

William Schaefer - Viable paying venues.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Rebekah Spelman - Again, I'm unsure

John Billing - I think the Pokies have been detrimental to live music in general. A number of Venues which would normally have artists or bands perform have given up their previous live venue space for the aforementioned. Insurances are another issue which has, I believe, increased ticket pricing across the board. I recall seeing Run DMC at the 21st Century Dance Club here in Frankston in 1998 and paid $28 for my ticket. It would not be possible today to see an artist who has a current #1 hit, taking in to account CPI, for similar value. In fact, based on 3% CPI, that ticket today should be no more than $47. So why are we forced to pay in excess of $150 to top billing artist and have to travel in to the Melbourne to see them?

Tom Christensen - Live music venues have been under pressure due to noise, and neighbours have caused many to close or spend money on sound proofing. With the Agent of change principle, the issue of sound proofing is taken into account. We need to find ways to bring shows into all types of venues including Cafes, Restaurants, Clubs, Bars and Hotels.

Suzette Tayler - More open space entertainment and festivals introducing all types of music

Prasad Phillip - Expensive and not enough venues.

J.R. Perez - The venues' reputation because this municipality has very high unemployment and income inequality, which breeds criminal behaviour and the nightlife venues tend to be a prime target for this.

Alex Breden - Promotion, advertising, funding, insurance.

Lillian O'Connor - Live music is under threat from lack of traditional and affordable venues in the Frankston area, the limited range of venues for diverse forms of live music and pressures from new/existing residents to constrain noise.

Claire Houston - There are not nearly enough live music venues in the Frankston municipality and those that exist don't seem to promote themselves very often. I would love to see more small and intimate 'club' style venues operating.

Sandra Mayer - I don't think that noise is an issue as our pubs aren't too close to houses

Samantha Smith - The amount and group of people they attract.

William Schaefer - Too many poker machines

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Rebekah Spelman - No

John Billing - No

Tom Christensen - Yes

Suzette Tayler - No

Prasad Phillip - No

J.R. Perez - No

Alex Breden - No

Lillian O'Connor - Yes

Claire Houston - Yes

Sandra Mayer - No

Samantha Smith - No

William Schaefer - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Rebekah Spelman - Yes

John Billing - Yes

Tom Christensen - Yes

Suzette Tayler - Yes

Prasad Phillip - Yes

J.R. Perez - Yes

Alex Breden - Need more information

Lillian O'Connor - Need more information

Claire Houston - Yes

Sandra Mayer - Need more information

Samantha Smith - Yes

William Schaefer - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Rebekah Spelman - Yes

John Billing - Yes

Tom Christensen - Yes

Suzette Tayler - Yes

Prasad Phillip - Yes

J.R. Perez - Yes

Alex Breden - Need more information

Lillian O'Connor - Yes

Claire Houston - Yes

Sandra Mayer - Need more information

Samantha Smith - Yes

William Schaefer - Need more information

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Rebekah Spelman - We have a very inclusive community grants program.

John Billing - As previously mentioned, there is the "The Voice of Frankston" competition and a number of performers can be seen usually busking in our Mall.

Tom Christensen - I am yet to become a councillor and am not aware of the current initiatives undertaken by my municipality.

Suzette Tayler - All of the above

Prasad Phillip - Not much

J.R. Perez - If elected, I will find out and will get back to you on it.

Lillian O'Connor - Frankston Youth Services team has already implemented a new three-room recording studio available for talented local musicians - Supporting local muscians through grants/funding - Restored the Mechanics Institute which is available as an affordable live performance venue with a local promoter

Claire Houston - I am not aware of any initiatives in the Frankston municipality but if elected I would absolutely undertake to have such an initiative instigated.

Sandra Mayer - We work with musicians to activate our streets

Samantha Smith - The Voice of Frankston 2016

William Schaefer - Voice of Frankston

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Rebekah Spelman - Grants and support for all ages gigs

John Billing - All of the above is something that I would look at for consideration as I believe music plays an important part in our lives, especially when you consider the names from Frankston who have made it in the industry, i.e., Johnny Logan (2x Eurovision winner) 28 Days, Madison Avenue, Toby Martin (Youth Group), Alasdair Murray (Illy), etc.

Tom Christensen - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Suzette Tayler - The above does not allow me to fill in the dot points. I suuport all of the above perhaps though the parking would be an issue but that could be address perhaps in loading zones meaning just to unload

Claire Houston - I agree and would support all of the above initiatives to support live music. I think live music is fantastic and there needs to be much more of it in venues across Melbourne and in particular Frankston and environs.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Rebekah Spelman - Yes

John Billing - No

Tom Christensen - No

Suzette Tayler - No

Prasad Phillip - No

J.R. Perez - No

Alex Breden - Need more information

Lillian O'Connor - No

Claire Houston - Need more information

Sandra Mayer - Need more information

Samantha Smith - Need more information

William Schaefer - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Rebekah Spelman - N/A

John Billing - Yes

Tom Christensen - Yes

Suzette Tayler - Yes

Prasad Phillip - Yes

J.R. Perez - Yes

Alex Breden - N/A

Lillian O'Connor - Yes

Claire Houston - Yes

Sandra Mayer - N/A

Samantha Smith - N/A

William Schaefer - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Rebekah Spelman - Yes

John Billing - Yes

Tom Christensen - Yes

Suzette Tayler - Yes

Prasad Phillip - Yes

J.R. Perez - Yes

Alex Breden - Yes

Lillian O'Connor - Yes

Claire Houston - Yes

Sandra Mayer - Yes

Samantha Smith - Yes

William Schaefer - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

John Billing - It saddens me to see so many Frankstonians have to leave the area or go overseas to "make it" when we have all we need to support them right here on our backdoor.

Tom Christensen - As I am not yet a councillor, I am unaware of the funding so cannot make an accurate estimate of whether the funding is adequate, but I am very supportive of music in the community so would love to see it flourish.

Suzette Tayler - I just wanted to add that music is very important to everyone I would think. I also believe it is a great tool for mental health

Lillian O'Connor - I have a deep appreciation for the benefits of music, as it is a way one expresses themselves. I believe musical events, if managed and controlled well and in collaboration with members of the local community would create pleasurable experiences for all involved both performers and onlookers

Claire Houston - I absolutely support the agent of change principle and think its introduction is critical. No more people buying next to a 'gig' then wingeing about the noise. 'Let the buyer beware' I say. The Mentone Hotel in City of Kingston is a case in point - gone out of business due to constantly complaining neighbours.

Sandra Mayer - We do have our local orchestra rehearsing in our Mechanics hall now

Gannawarra Shire Council

Avoca Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr HIBBET, Rodney Ian

No Email Address Provided

Mr GILLINGHAM, Charlie

Did Not Respond

Murray Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr AERTSSEN, Oscar

No Email Address Provided

Mr TASKER, Steven James

No Email Address Provided

Patchell Ward (3 vacancies, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs FAWCETT, Jenny Louise

Did Not Respond

Mrs BASILE, Jodie

Did Not Respond

Mr ARIANS, Mark

Did Not Respond

Mr GIBSON, Brian John

Did Not Respond

Yarran Ward (2 vacancies, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Mr COOPER, Robert J

Did Not Respond

Mr GIBBS, Andrew

Did Not Respond

Mr GOULDING, Neville Charles

Did Not Respond

Mrs LEARMONTH, Lorraine

No Email Address Provided

Mrs WRIGHT, Sonia

No Email Address Provided

Total candidates for Gannawarra Shire Council 2016: 13

No responses from this council.

Glen Eira City Council

Camden Ward (3 vacancies, 7 candidates)

Candidates

Mr SILVER, Joel Alan

Did Not Respond

Miss PINSKIER, Rebecca Talia

See Response Below

Mr FAYMAN, Ian

Did Not Respond

Mr SZTRAJT, Dan

Did Not Respond

Ms DELAHUNTY, Mary

See Response Below

Mr SOUNNESS, Thomas

See Response Below

Ms HERMANN, Karen

Did Not Respond

Rosstown Ward (3 vacancies, 12 candidates)

Candidates

Mr BOX, David

See Response Below

Mr JAYAWEERA, Shan

See Response Below

Mr MALICHETTI, Sunny

Did Not Respond

Mrs ESAKOFF, Margaret

Did Not Respond

Mr COOPER, Asher

Did Not Respond

Ms KARSLAKE, Jane

Did Not Respond

Mr DUNSTAN, Don

Did Not Respond

Mr ZOIS, Con

Did Not Respond

Mr PILLING, Neil

Did Not Respond

Ms DAVEY, Clare

Did Not Respond

Mr HO, Kelvin

Did Not Respond

Mr ATHANASOPOULOS, Tony

Did Not Respond

Tucker Ward (3 vacancies, 14 candidates)

Candidates

Mr HYAMS, Jamie

See Response Below

Mr ANDONOPOULOS, Rodney

See Response Below

Mr BONNEY, Joshua

Did Not Respond

Ms TAYLOR, Nina

Did Not Respond

Mr MACKIE, Jeffrey Thomas

See Response Below

Mr BREWSTER, Neil William

Did Not Respond

Ms CADE, Anne Marie

Did Not Respond

Mrs OKOTEL, Karina

Did Not Respond

Mr DE'ATH, Philip

Did Not Respond

Mr LOBO, Oscar C.

Did Not Respond

Mr MAGEE, Jim

Did Not Respond

Mr SEARLE, Michael

Did Not Respond

Ms ELLIOTT, Donna

See Response Below

Mr KARLIK, Michael

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Glen Eira City Council 2016: 33

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Rock, pop and alternative

Mary Delahunty - All! I play piano and enjoy listening to instrumental musical forms. My children also learn music but they mostly enjoy pop. In every room of the house it seems a different genre is playing!

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - N/A

Mary Delahunty - We provide a lot of support to groups using music as therapy or social inclusion programs. Enjoyably we also have a series of free events called "music in the park" showcasing different forms of live music in some of our gorgeous public spaces. Glen Eira has a wonderful band and fantastic local talent that we encourage and develop through our concert series.

Thomas Sounness - The support has not been specific but on a venue by venue basis, or on an application by application basis. In general the issues with live or amplified music need to address the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act's noise requirements and quite often this requires acoustic treatment of the venue. controls. In my view, an overall strategy for coordination of live music or music venues that are sized for small discreet entertainment activities is lacking.

David Box - N/A

Shan Jayaweera - N/A

Jamie Hyams - We have a battle of the bands to promote young musicians, with prizes including recording sessions and being the opening act at our party in the park, which attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 to hear established acts. Our youth services department helps mentor young music talent.

Rodney Andropoulos - N/A

Jeffrey Mackie - N/A

Donna Elliot - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Soundproofing for studios. There are business which do not allow tenants to soundproof adequately, and consequently get neighbour complaints. We're an area with a lot of young people with a lot of garage bands, and neighbours often to complain about the noise.

Mary Delahunty - The availability of venues is most likely an issue. Beyond the need for venues to hold performances in we also need venues where people can learn, practice and participate in a way that is accessible. It would be a terrible outcome for the arts if music became the domain of those who could afford it.

Thomas Sounness - Having access to venues to play where late night activities are supported, where amplified music is acceptable for both the surrounding residents and the venue host, and that the after hours activities are not considered anti-social.

David Box - Good question. I am not sure and would like to know. All I could think of was locations to practise and sponsorship for local performers through arts grants. Finally helping to promote music venues.

Shan Jayaweera - Lack of performance and rehearsal venues.

Jamie Hyams - Not many live venues.

Rodney Andropoulos - The lack of quality venues that attract people

Jeffrey Mackie - Need more venues to perform

Donna Elliot - Venues to appear at are minimal Mainly local parks, with attendance affected by weather Public exposure

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - There simply aren't enough of them, the three main shopping strips in our area have perhaps a total of five venues to play live music.

Mary Delahunty - Our municipality has large residential areas. Balancing the need for quiet neighbourhoods with the needs of live music venues through permits is a constant challenge.

Thomas Sounness - Having opportunities for late night activities to be supported, where amplified music is acceptable for both the surrounding residents and the venue host, and that the after hours activities & post event departures are not considered anti-social.

David Box - Live music performance venues. Lack of support from Council like holding sponsored and supported music festivals, as well as including performers in non-specific festivals. Permits for street performance.

Shan Jayaweera - The continuing gentrification of the inner city suburbs that sees noise and time limits put on venues. The irony being people move here because its cool and happening vibe yet they don't want loud music playing?

Jamie Hyams - Those that are established are okay, but because the municipality is well built up, it may be difficult to establish new venues

Rodney Andropoulos - Most of the venues in Glen Eira that host music need to be mindful of the proximity of local residents. This reflects in the times that live music can be played with a usual cut off time around 10pm, even though a venue could be licensed until 12pm or later.

Jeffrey Mackie - Limit of operational hours

Donna Elliot - Apart from Parks and Council Auditoriums very few (if any) venues. Most local restaurants are to small and cost is a factor. Roo Bar is only venue I know off.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Yes

Mary Delahunty - Yes

Thomas Sounness - No

David Box - No

Shan Jayaweera - Yes

Jamie Hyams - Yes

Rodney Andropoulos - Yes

Jeffrey Mackie - No

Donna Elliot - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Yes

Mary Delahunty - Yes

Thomas Sounness - Yes

David Box - Yes

Shan Jayaweera - Yes

Jamie Hyams - Yes

Rodney Andropoulos - Yes

Jeffrey Mackie - Yes

Donna Elliot - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Yes

Mary Delahunty - Yes

Thomas Sounness - Yes

David Box - Yes

Shan Jayaweera - Yes

Jamie Hyams - Yes

Rodney Andropoulos - Yes

Jeffrey Mackie - Yes

Donna Elliot - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Glen Eira currently has an Arts and Culture program

Mary Delahunty - We support a number of local groups and also play a lead role in showcasing local talent. Certainly a music audit would help us understand what else can be done.

Thomas Sounness - I am not aware of anything specific but there are attempts to provide local acts to perform at our party-in-the park series and with our battle of the bands competition. There are also youth services which promote music activities. Finally, our Community Grants Programme provides for venue support where applications meet policy set criteria where Council buildings may be supplied at a discount.

David Box - Not a current Councillor. I do support music such as attending nearby Caravan Club and formerly played the guitar.

Shan Jayaweera - I don't think the current Glen Eira city council place much value on the arts in general

Jamie Hyams - As above

Rodney Andropoulos - None that I am aware of.

Jeffrey Mackie - N/A

Donna Elliot - Other than Park events and occasional recitals at Town Hall, I am unaware of any other initiatives.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Mary Delahunty - I support free spaces - I introduced this for school groups early in my term. I support grants I support Music Vic running PD workshops I support encouraging safe and inclusive practises

Thomas Sounness - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

David Box - Cannot tick multiple items, but I do support every measure.

Shan Jayaweera - These are all great ideas and I would support every single one of them - I would like to add that I think there should be more integration of professional musicians into local schools programs

Jamie Hyams - 1, 3, 4, 5

Rodney Andropoulos - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Jeffrey Mackie - All of the above

Donna Elliot - I agree with all of the above however only one tick is allowed?

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - No

Mary Delahunty - No

Thomas Sounness - No

David Box - Need more information

Shan Jayaweera - No

Jamie Hyams - Need more information

Rodney Andropoulos - No

Jeffrey Mackie - No

Donna Elliot - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Yes

Mary Delahunty - Yes

Thomas Sounness - Yes

David Box - N/A

Shan Jayaweera - Yes

Jamie Hyams - N/A

Rodney Andropoulos - Yes

Jeffrey Mackie - Yes

Donna Elliot - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Rebecca Talia Pinskier - Yes

Mary Delahunty - Yes

Thomas Sounness - Yes

David Box - Yes

Shan Jayaweera - Yes

Jamie Hyams - Yes

Rodney Andropoulos - Yes

Jeffrey Mackie - Yes

Donna Elliot - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Thomas Sounness - That small venues need more support than large venues, and that youth services need to engage, through music, more of the local population.

David Box - Well done for sending out this survey. I support genuine community development and music is one of the vital ways to build community spirit.

Shan Jayaweera - The arts and music in particular is something I am passionate about and it's great to see music Victoria actively engaging in the local government process

Donna Elliot - I think musical events /community programs are an excellent way to engage community, across all age groups. Particularly in teen /early 20 age bracket.

Glenelg Shire Council

Glenelg Shire Council (7 vacancies, 19 candidates)

Candidates

Mr HALLIDAY, Robert R.

Did Not Respond

Mr EDGERTON, Brendan

See Response Below

Mr ALEXANDER, Malcolm

Did Not Respond

Ms HAWKER, Chrissy

Did Not Respond

Mrs STEPHENS, Karen Anne

Did Not Respond

Mr WILSON, Gilbert Desmond

See Response Below

Mr STOKES, Gordon

Did Not Respond

Mr BYRNE, Michael K.

Did Not Respond

Mrs KEILLER, Deborah

Did Not Respond

Mr OBERLANDER, Maxwell Leslie

Did Not Respond

Mr NOSKE, Mike

Did Not Respond

Mr SUTHERLAND, Mal

No Email Address Provided

Mr WILDER, Bernie

Did Not Respond

Ms RANK, Anita Maree

Did Not Respond

NORTHCOTT, John

No Email Address Provided

Mr McDONALD, Alistair

No Email Address Provided

Ms APLIN, Alison

Did Not Respond

Mr WHITE, Geoff

No Email Address Provided

Mr BARRETT, Wayne Richard

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Glenelg Shire Council 2016: 19

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Brednan Edgerton - rock and roll blues

Gilbert Wilson - Country/rock

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Brednan Edgerton - N/A

Gilbert Wilson - MOU with Arts Victoria- Significant support to Music & the Arts.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Brednan Edgerton - getting gigs getting paid

Gilbert Wilson - Low income and lack of opportunities.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Brednan Edgerton - patrons to turn up and pay to see acts

Gilbert Wilson - Size and style of facility.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Brednan Edgerton - No

Gilbert Wilson - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Brednan Edgerton - Yes

Gilbert Wilson - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Brednan Edgerton - Yes

Gilbert Wilson - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Brednan Edgerton - No idea

Gilbert Wilson - Not aware

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Brednan Edgerton - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Gilbert Wilson - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Brednan Edgerton - No

Gilbert Wilson - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Brednan Edgerton - Yes

Gilbert Wilson - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Brednan Edgerton - Yes

Gilbert Wilson - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Gilbert Wilson - State will need to increase funding due to the Rate capping which makes increases to rate money difficult.

Golden Plains Shire Council

Golden Plains Shire Council (7 vacancies, 12 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs GILBERT, Joanne Louise

Did Not Respond

Mrs KIRBY, Helena Angela

Did Not Respond

Mr STEELE, Cameron

Did Not Respond

Mr EVANS, David John

Did Not Respond

Mr HANSFORD, Nathan John

Did Not Respond

Mr McARTHUR, Bill

Did Not Respond

Mr ROWE, Les

Did Not Respond

Mr VAUGHAN, Greg

Did Not Respond

Mr PHELAN, Des

No Email Address Provided

Mr SHARKEY, Owen

See Response Below

Ms RYAN, Marlene

Did Not Respond

Mr KRUSIC-GOLUB, Peter Joseph

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Golden Plains Shire Council 2016: 12

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Owen Sharkey - Various

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Owen Sharkey - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Owen Sharkey - Listening ears and venues.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Owen Sharkey -

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Owen Sharkey - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Owen Sharkey - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Owen Sharkey - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Owen Sharkey - GPS does offer some great festivals.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Owen Sharkey - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Owen Sharkey - No response

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Owen Sharkey - No response

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Owen Sharkey - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Vaughan Williams - Almost all, apart from most RAP! But I am really an 70-90's music fan

Matt Emond - My musical tastes are quite diverse. I enjoy rock, blues, jazz, baroque, classical, hip hop, country and western, musical theatre and more exploratory forms of music. I also play the tuba.

James Williams - Rock

Thomas Prince - I appreciate a range of music. Through the classical music that a grew up learning on the piano and bassoon all the way to the modern hits that are on our radio stations

Wayne Gregson - Opera, pop

Peter Cox - Country, blues & folk

Gordon Moore - various. depends on song more than style. Weird Al is a big hit in my household

Michelle Goldsmith - All kinds, depending upon the occasion and the ambience

Malcolm Pethybridge - All sorts

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Rosemary Glaisher - N/A

George Flack - Candidate in 2012 unsuccessful but I replied to Music Australia's survey in 2012. The only change being is fours years on I have been a playing member of Marist Brass now for 52 years, a life member of the Band and I have written the Band's 75th Anniversary and Centenary Books in 1984 and 2010.

Colin Carrington - N/A

Geoff Stephens - N/A

John Cooper - N/A

Vaughan Williams - N/A

Matt Emond - N/A

James Williams - The construction of Ullumbra theartre in the old Jail. Managing and hosting many musical and music performances at both Ullumbra and the Capital theartre. Jazz and Roots festival along with many other music and food orientated festivals. Community grants to various bands, choirs and musical events.

Thomas Prince - N/A

Wayne Gregson - N/A

Peter Cox - Many street festivals have been supported and commitment to new theatres and venues.

Gordon Moore - N/A

Michelle Goldsmith - N/A

Malcolm Pethybridge - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Rosemary Glaisher - I think it is a mixture of lack of support from punters all the way up to venue owners and that inflation mysteriously doesn't seem to apply to Musicians wages in this area.

George Flack - See my 2012 reply.

Colin Carrington - Individual performers, groups, or bands especially have difficulty in securing suitable venues at reasonable costs. It is difficult to get reasonable numbers in audiences, with the competing wide variety of entertainment on television, DVD's of movies and live sport. Unless musicians have a 'big name' and following, many cannot cover their costs of arranging and performing.

Geoff Stephens - Unknown at this time. I would like to engage with them and discuss their issues.

John Cooper - Cost of venue hire.

Vaughan Williams - I honestly don't have enough information on this subject, but I would say from experience, that good and enough live venues would be an issue.

Matt Emond - Ongoing support to ensure the viability of the music sector in Bendigo. Pay equity is a big issue for musicians. There needs to be a more concerted effort to ensure musicians are being paid appropriately and more employment opportunities are available.

James Williams - Finding paying customers who appreciate good music.

Thomas Prince - There is no public avenue for music to be celebrated in Bendigo. One of Bendigo's only live music venues and also our largest is at risk of closing down and the avenues for live music to be featured are shrinking. Music needs to be celebrated so it can be appreciated

Wayne Gregson - Access to tertiary education in this community. As the father of an opera soprano, I am acutely aware of the massive financial challenges facing region performers.

Peter Cox - Steady work and consistent income

Gordon Moore - local and reliable venues

Michelle Goldsmith - Pubs moving on to pokies rather than live music, lack of/restrictions on venues,difficulty in maintaining a living wage from performing

Malcolm Pethybridge - Cost in running a venue

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Rosemary Glaisher - Lack of support as well as residents moving to an area where there is a venue that has been operating for years and then them trying to get the venues closed over noise complaints. Pokies getting installed in pubs etc. "Less pokies; more live music"

George Flack - See my 2012 reply.

Colin Carrington - With the decline in attendances at hotels, few individual performers, groups or bands especially are unable to secure gigs with some degree of remuneration, that even covers their expenses in performing. Consequently there has been a decline in live entertainment at public places. Costs of hiring venues are mostly prohibitive to individuals and groups.

Geoff Stephens - I believe there is sufficient. Will discuss with them. See above

John Cooper - Not enough and maybe not maintained as well as they could be.

Vaughan Williams - Not enough and maybe not maintained as well as they could be.

Matt Emond - Venues that are wanting to support diverse and eclectic genres and who are committed to supporting emerging musicians need support. Festivals that activate many venues across the city that are being run on a voluntary basis with minimal funding need more support to ensure organisers do not suffer from festival fatigue and potential loss of a successful festival in the future.

James Williams - We have many venues and noise and location is always raised as a concern by those living near by.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Rosemary Glaisher - Yes

George Flack - Yes

Colin Carrington - Yes

Geoff Stephens - No

John Cooper - Yes

Vaughan Williams - Yes

Matt Emond - Yes

James Williams - No

Thomas Prince - Yes

Wayne Gregson - No

Peter Cox - No

Gordon Moore - Yes

Michelle Goldsmith - No

Malcolm Pethybridge - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Rosemary Glaisher - Need more information

George Flack - Yes

Colin Carrington - Yes

Geoff Stephens - Yes

John Cooper - Yes

Vaughan Williams - Yes

Matt Emond - Yes

James Williams - Need more information

Thomas Prince - Need more information

Wayne Gregson - Yes

Peter Cox - Yes

Gordon Moore - Yes

Michelle Goldsmith - Need more information

Malcolm Pethybridge - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Rosemary Glaisher - Need more information

George Flack - Yes

Colin Carrington - Yes

Geoff Stephens - Yes

John Cooper - Yes

Vaughan Williams - Yes

Matt Emond - Yes

James Williams - Need more information

Thomas Prince - Yes

Wayne Gregson - Yes

Peter Cox - Yes

Gordon Moore - Yes

Michelle Goldsmith - Need more information

Malcolm Pethybridge - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Rosemary Glaisher - FReeZA events like Battle of the Bands

George Flack - Community Grants provided by Council

Colin Carrington - Main events are: Annual Blues and Roots Festival Annual Jazz Festival Annual Groovin' the Moo (mainly pitched at younger people) With the state of the art Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo now operational, many large musical productions are able to be held there. Also music only entertainment, such as orchestral and big bands. The Capital Theatre in Bendigo, though ageing, provides a suitable venue for individual, duo, trio, group or band entertainment.

Geoff Stephens - Unknown at this time.

John Cooper - Community festivals throughout the year

Vaughan Williams - I do know there is a Regional Live Music Action Plan. But I would need to do further investigations on this subject.

Matt Emond - We have grants and support available to select activities. I would like to see a fair and sustainable management of our cultural organisations and activities in the city and look at the role contemporary music plays in the cultural landscape of Bendigo.

James Williams - Our municipality recognise the value and need to support not just musicians but actors, the theartre and educational aspects of encouraging young people to be involved in the music industry. We host and support bands, choirs and musicals through a raft of venues, festivals and grants.

Thomas Prince - It helps sponsor one of the best weekends in Bendigo's calendar. The Bendigo Blues and Roots fesitval brings a large array of music types and sounds to Bendigo in a way that encourages the public to emerse themselves into the wonderful culture that music can bring.

Wayne Gregson - It has built a magnificent 1000 seat theatre and injected large funding into the performing arts

Peter Cox - Improvements to theatres and programs

Gordon Moore - I am unaware of any initiatives to support music

Michelle Goldsmith - Various festivals incorporating local musicians; annual Blues and Roots music festival; state of the art Ulumbarra Theatre

Malcolm Pethybridge - Groove on the moo

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Rosemary Glaisher - All of these sound pretty sensible.

George Flack - Several Victorian Councils already have good music strategies and I would encourage CoGB Council to consider adopting sound (pardon the pun!) practical strategies that are working within those Councils already - without re-inventing the wheel!

Colin Carrington - Yes, all of the 5 initiatives in lines above 'Other' but I am unable to get a tick to 'hold' in more than one box.

Geoff Stephens - All of the above

John Cooper - All of the above, including widespread busking

Vaughan Williams - All options actually make sense and I would support them.

Matt Emond - I would support all of these initiatives in the context and as need would dictate in the City of Greater Bendigo.

James Williams - We already support many of the above principles and provide help and assistance as required or asked for.

Thomas Prince - 1. 3. 4. 5.

Wayne Gregson - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Peter Cox - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Gordon Moore - yes to all the above

Michelle Goldsmith - All of these initiatives are worthy of support - new and ongoing

Malcolm Pethybridge - All of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Rosemary Glaisher - Need more information

George Flack - Yes

Colin Carrington - No

Geoff Stephens - No

John Cooper - No

Vaughan Williams - Need more information

Matt Emond - No

James Williams - Yes

Thomas Prince - Need more information

Wayne Gregson - No

Peter Cox - No

Gordon Moore - No

Michelle Goldsmith - Need more information

Malcolm Pethybridge - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Rosemary Glaisher - N/A

George Flack - N/A

Colin Carrington - Yes

Geoff Stephens - Yes

John Cooper - Yes

Vaughan Williams - Yes

Matt Emond - Yes

James Williams - N/A

Thomas Prince - N/A

Wayne Gregson - Yes

Peter Cox - Yes

Gordon Moore - Yes

Michelle Goldsmith - N/A

Malcolm Pethybridge - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Rosemary Glaisher - Yes

George Flack - Yes

Colin Carrington - Yes

Geoff Stephens - Yes

John Cooper - Yes

Vaughan Williams - Yes

Matt Emond - Yes

James Williams - Yes

Thomas Prince - Yes

Wayne Gregson - Yes

Peter Cox - Yes

Gordon Moore - Yes

Michelle Goldsmith - Yes

Malcolm Pethybridge - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Rosemary Glaisher - People love playing music so much that they end up allowing themselves to be exploited just to "get a gig". I'm not sure what the answer to this is.

Colin Carrington - Your survey is a great idea. Easy to complete other than Question 11. Should I be elected, I look forward to better representing musicians, and the music / live entertainment industry throughout the Greater Bendigo council. Bendigo

John Cooper - More entertainment for all means less anti social behaviour.

Vaughan Williams - Great survey. Not really my area of expertise, but hey! who does not love music!

Matt Emond - The music sector is a high performing and significant contributor economically and artistically to the creative industries and broader economy in Australia. It would be advantageous to continue exploring opportunities and building partnerships to ensure future growth is possible in Bendigo.

James Williams - Music, theartre, culture and the arts underpin most succesful communities and as a regional centre we strive to provide oppurtunities for all ages to both enjoy and engage in music of all varieties.

Thomas Prince - Thanks for having me involved in this process. If you'd like to talk to me feel free to contact me via email: tpprince10@hotmail.com. My opinion isn't whats important, I would love the chance to listen to the people a part of Music Victoria (particularly the Bendigo members) to learn about what we can achieve together. Please encourage your members to contact me

Wayne Gregson - Greater Bendigo is building its cultural credibility through physical assets, but more needs to be done on the human resources now

Greater Dandenong City Council

Lightwood Ward (3 vacancies, 7 candidates)

Candidates

Mr QUACH, Dang

Did Not Respond

Mr CHEA, Youhorn

Did Not Respond

Mr TRUONG, Loi

Did Not Respond

Mr SINGH, Gagandeep

Did Not Respond

Mr NIVEN, Nathan

See Response Below

Mr O'REILLY, Sean

Did Not Respond

Mrs POMPEIA, Linda

Did Not Respond

Paperbark Ward (3 vacancies, 12 candidates)

Candidates

Mr DARK, Tim

Did Not Respond

Mr BROWN, Peter

Did Not Respond

Mrs GOK, Emine

Did Not Respond

Mr BHUIYAN, Alam

Did Not Respond

Mr SHAMSI, Sajjad

Did Not Respond

Miss TAN, Sophie

Did Not Respond

Mr WOODFORD, Brad

See Response Below

Mr TRAN, Minh Van

Did Not Respond

Mr TAK, Meng Heang

Did Not Respond

Mr TRAN, Huy

Did Not Respond

Mrs BLADES, Roz

See Response Below

Mr EL-SUKKARI, Ramy

Did Not Respond

Red Gum Ward (3 vacancies, 11 candidates)

Candidates

Mr RAHIMI, Hayatullah

Did Not Respond

Ms KING HARRIS, Sharon

Did Not Respond

Mr MEMETI, Jim

Did Not Respond

Mr KIRWAN, Matthew

Did Not Respond

Mr NAGARAJAN, Murugan

See Response Below

Mrs LONG, Angela

Did Not Respond

Mrs PAUL, Lidia

Did Not Respond

Mr BALL, David Daniel

Did Not Respond

WU, Minwen

Did Not Respond

Mr DANG, Van Lanh

Did Not Respond

Mr SINGH, Gagandeep

Did Not Respond

Silverleaf Ward (2 vacancies, 13 candidates)

Candidates

Mr MELHEM, Zaynoun

Did Not Respond

Mr SHANMUGAM, Suresh

Did Not Respond

Mr JAFARI, Rajab

Did Not Respond

Mr AFRA, Sam

Did Not Respond

Mrs GONSALVEZ, Geraldine

Did Not Respond

Mr HEWAVITHARANA, Pradeep

Did Not Respond

Mrs TANNOUS, Rhonda

Did Not Respond

Mr GNANAPRAGASAM, Alfred Tyrone

Did Not Respond

Ms ESCOBAR MUNOZ, Luz

No Email Address Provided

Mr REZAWI, Saied

Did Not Respond

Mrs SAMPEY, Maria

Did Not Respond

Ms CICEKDAG, Naile

Did Not Respond

Mrs WALTON, Sue

No Email Address Provided

Total candidates for Greater Dandenong City Council 2016: 43

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Nathan Niven - Various

Brad Woodford - Rock, Electronic, Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and Funk.

Roz Blades - All music

Murugan Nagarajan - Indian

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Nathan Niven - N/A

Brad Woodford - N/A

Roz Blades - When I answered this survey at the at the last election, it was to let you all know that with a multicultural community we have great and diverse music

Murugan Nagarajan - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Nathan Niven - Having adequate venues Ensuring there is a diversity of performers Adequate remuneration Copyright for original material Adequate loading zone parking for performers to have access to venues Opportunities to perform at local festivals Noise regulations Support for Gig promotion Access to grants for local musicians and support for visiting artists to promote diversity

Brad Woodford - The biggest issue in Greater Dandenong would be the lack of designated live music performance spaces. We have one or two venues which cater towards a generally older crowd, The Green Table being one such example, however we need more spaces where young up and coming musicians might be able to perform in front of an audience at venues that don't have poker machines.

Roz Blades - I am not sure that there are negative issues facing our musical community because everyone loves the music

Murugan Nagarajan - Need more information

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Nathan Niven - Security of venues and safety for patrons The need for live music action plans in the municipality Noise Regulations Acoustics

Brad Woodford - Lack of diversity/choice in venues. Limited venues such as The Green Table and 1 or 2 local RSL clubs mainly cater for older audiences. There isn't alot available for younger audiences.

Roz Blades - We don't have issues regarding live music venues either as we have a number of quality venues.

Murugan Nagarajan - Need more information

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Nathan Niven - Yes

Brad Woodford - No

Roz Blades - No

Murugan Nagarajan - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Nathan Niven - Yes

Brad Woodford - Yes

Roz Blades - Yes

Murugan Nagarajan - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Nathan Niven - Yes

Brad Woodford - Yes

Roz Blades - Yes

Murugan Nagarajan - Need more information

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Nathan Niven - Get creative programs Work Shop Play

Brad Woodford - No initiatives to my knowledge.

Roz Blades - I put yes in questions 8 and 9, but in reality we don't need audits or music strategy.

Murugan Nagarajan - Need more information

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Nathan Niven - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Brad Woodford - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Roz Blades - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Murugan Nagarajan - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Nathan Niven - No

Brad Woodford - No

Roz Blades - Yes

Murugan Nagarajan - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Nathan Niven - Yes

Brad Woodford - Yes

Roz Blades - Yes

Murugan Nagarajan - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Nathan Niven - Yes

Brad Woodford - Yes

Roz Blades - Yes

Murugan Nagarajan - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Nathan Niven - Greater Dandenong is a diverse community so it is important to ensure that there is a diverse and inclusive range of

Roz Blades - We already are doing all of this, have you heard of the drum festival where in the main street of Dandenong we have musicians playing drums. Again not all councils are the same, so not all boxes are relevant. I have honestly filled out what I could.

Greater Geelong City Council

Greater Shepparton City Council

Greater Shepparton City Council (9 vacancies, 29 candidates)

Candidates

Mr NEFF, Steve

Did Not Respond

Mrs ABDULLAH, Seema

Did Not Respond

Mr RAFIEE, Shoukat

Did Not Respond

Mr HAZELMAN, Chris

No Email Address Provided

Mr PATTERSON, Dennis

Did Not Respond

Mr PATANE, Sam

Did Not Respond

LADSON, Ben

No Email Address Provided

Mr LAWLOR, Mark

Did Not Respond

Mr LINTON, Darren Bruce

Did Not Respond

Mr MACKALI, Nejat

See Response Below

Mr VAN DEN AKKER, Troy

Did Not Respond

TEASDALE, Diane

Did Not Respond

Mrs SUTTON, Shelley

Did Not Respond

Mr SUMAILI, Rashidi

Did Not Respond

Ms SUMMER, Fern

No Email Address Provided

Mr DAY, Tom

Did Not Respond

Mrs SMULLEN, Fran

Did Not Respond

Mr ADEM, Dinny

Did Not Respond

Mr SYED, Imran

Did Not Respond

Mr LITTLE, Bruce William

Did Not Respond

Mr KELLY, Jason Marcus

Did Not Respond

Mr MOORE, Dallas

No Email Address Provided

Mr SCHUBERT, Rod

No Email Address Provided

Mr HANCOCK, Brett William

No Email Address Provided

Mrs HOULIHAN, Jenny

Did Not Respond

Mr GIOVANETTI, Bruce

Did Not Respond

Mr OROSZVARY, Les

Did Not Respond

Mr BROPHY, Anthony

Did Not Respond

Mrs O'KEEFFE, Kim

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Greater Shepparton City Council 2016: 29

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Nejat Mackali - Piano / Symphony

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Nejat Mackali - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Nejat Mackali - Funding to expose their talent.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Nejat Mackali - Proper / safe venue with acoustic excellence.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Nejat Mackali - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Nejat Mackali - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Nejat Mackali - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Nejat Mackali - Need to learn more.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Nejat Mackali - All of the above are good suggestions.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Nejat Mackali - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Nejat Mackali - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Nejat Mackali - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Hepburn Shire Council

Birch Ward (2 vacancies, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Ms KELLY, Donna

See Response Below

Mr THOMPSON, Greg

Did Not Respond

Ms ROBSON, Fiona Kay

See Response Below

Ms REDWOOD, Kate

See Response Below

Mr HOUGHTON, Paul

See Response Below

Cameron Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mr NEWITT, Neil Raymond

Did Not Respond

Mrs RUSSELL, Dorothy

See Response Below

Mr HIPWELL, Aaron

Did Not Respond

Coliban Ward (1 vacancy, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Mr KLEIN, Sebastian John

Did Not Respond

Mr McLAREN, John

Did Not Respond

Miss EVANS, Cate

See Response Below

Mr McCALLUM, David Ian

Did Not Respond

Ms BURNS, Liz

Did Not Respond

Creswick Ward (2 vacancies, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr MAY, Greg

No Email Address Provided

Mr HENDERSON, Don

Did Not Respond

Holcombe Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Mr McCLENAGHAN, William Marks

See Response Below

Mrs SIMPSON, Juliet A. I.

Mr COTTRELL, John

Total candidates for Hepburn Shire Council 2016: 18

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Kelly Donna - An eclectic mix of styles.

Fiona Robson - Most, particularly Australian music

Kate Redwood - Classical, folk, brass bands, diverse cultures

Paul Houghton - All genres

Dorothy Russell - Jazz/ 50's/ Country

Cate Evans - Many genres-classical to pop, blues to punk. I am a singer songwriter, with a folk/roots style writing about social issues

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Kelly Donna - N/A

Fiona Robson - N/A

Kate Redwood - Subsidised facilities eg Town Halls, community halls, grants for groups such as brass bands, and festivals such as Highland Gathering

Paul Houghton - N/A

Dorothy Russell - N/A

Cate Evans - N/A

William McClenaghan - Commissioned a musical composition to mark 150 years of Local Government in 2013. Hosted The Boite singers' Festival annually. Provided free access to Town Hall for Concerts (like Zelman Symphony). FREEZA program with bands for youth. Use of Hepburn Springs "sound shell" in mineral springs reserve for Swiss Italian Festa music (for example).

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Kelly Donna - I think the biggest issue facing musicians, probably anywhere, is being paid a real wage for their work. I think many people view musicians as having "a hobby" and therefore not entitled to a real wage.

Fiona Robson - Fair pay & opportunities to perform.

Kate Redwood - Lack of venues for performance, which used to be available through eg the Palais in Hepburn Springs, and while there are great regular places for music like Radio Springs hotel, for example, there could be more

Paul Houghton - Copyright, venues, opportunity

Dorothy Russell - To show their talent, venues are short of supply

Cate Evans - Hepburn boasts a rich and diverse music community. There are opportunities for musicians; acoustic, electric, individual and group in a variety of forums-festivals, live gigs, studio recording and writing/performing workshops. Music is supported within the Arts platform promoted by the Shire and within the community. There could be more funding opportunities for musicians to record their music.

William McClenaghan - Recognition and getting somewhere to practice and perform.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Kelly Donna - We are very lucky to have many live music venues in Hepburn Shire. I attend quite a few and don't think they have great issues here. I also run a magazine called The Local for the region which has a really strong gig guide and regular musician features.

Fiona Robson - Viability

Kate Redwood - As above, the loss of the Palais has had a significant effect, in that there is not the circuit of musicians coming through Hepburn in the way that there was

Cate Evans - Hepburn boasts a number of great live music venues-particularly in Daylesford and Trentham @ the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Heritage halls throughout the Shire, with stages, could be better utilised as live venues.

William McClenaghan - Viability. The Palais (Hepburn Springs) closed down. Other venues that remain viable are basically pubs or cafe/restaurants on a smaller scale. Local magazines promote gigs and various venues around the Shire.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Kelly Donna - Yes

Fiona Robson - Yes

Kate Redwood - Yes

Paul Houghton - Yes

Dorothy Russell - No

Cate Evans - Yes

William McClenaghan - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Kelly Donna - Yes

Fiona Robson - Yes

Kate Redwood - Yes

Paul Houghton - No

Dorothy Russell - Yes

Cate Evans - Yes

William McClenaghan - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Kelly Donna - Yes

Fiona Robson - Yes

Kate Redwood - Yes

Paul Houghton - No

Dorothy Russell - Yes

Cate Evans - Yes

William McClenaghan - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Kelly Donna - None that I am aware of. But there is a thriving live music scene independent of council.

Fiona Robson - Nothing specific at the moment that I'm aware of.

Kate Redwood - various see below

Paul Houghton - Not sure

Dorothy Russell - I do not know

Cate Evans - Inclusion in festivals. Advertising of music events and performances.

William McClenaghan - Community grants to Brass Bands. See Answer to question 4 above.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Kelly Donna - I found I could only tick one of the above responses but I am quite keen on most of them. Parking is not generally a problem here as we are in the country with plenty of space at venues.

Fiona Robson - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Kate Redwood - Most of the above, but could do more

Paul Houghton - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Dorothy Russell - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Cate Evans - I support all of the above initiatives. Particularly supporting youth

William McClenaghan - Free use of Town Halls for promoting music. Ditto at Hepburn Springs "sound shell" in the springs reserve. FREEZA program for youth at various Council venues.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Kelly Donna - Yes

Fiona Robson - Yes

Kate Redwood - Yes

Paul Houghton - Yes

Dorothy Russell - No

Cate Evans - No

William McClenaghan - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Kelly Donna - N/A

Fiona Robson - N/A

Kate Redwood - N/A

Paul Houghton - N/A

Dorothy Russell - Yes

Cate Evans -

William McClenaghan - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Kelly Donna - Yes

Fiona Robson - Yes

Kate Redwood - Yes

Paul Houghton - Yes

Dorothy Russell - Yes

Cate Evans - Yes

William McClenaghan - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Kelly Donna - Thanks for the opportunity to put my views forward. And come to Hepburn Shire and hear some fantastic live music. Check out the gig guide at www.tlnews.com.au

Fiona Robson - We have a lively music scene and is important that we support it.

Kate Redwood - There is a wide range of musical interests in the Shire and we are committed to encouraging all

Cate Evans - Music expresses diversity of opinion, whilst uniting all people in sound and movement.

William McClenaghan - Music is another art form that ought to be on a par with sculpture, painting and drawing.

Hindmarsh Shire Council

East Ward (2 vacancies, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr UNGER, Clifford

No Email Address Provided

Ms NELSON, Debra

No Email Address Provided

Mrs CLARKE, Mary

See Response Below

Mr SCHNEIDER, Tony

No Email Address Provided

North Ward (2 vacancies, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr LOWE, Ron

No Email Address Provided

Mr ISMAY, Ron

No Email Address Provided

Mrs ROBINS, Wendy

Did Not Respond

Ms CHIVELL, Elizabeth

Did Not Respond

West Ward (2 vacancies, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr GERSCH, Rob

No Email Address Provided

Mr COLBERT, David

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Hindmarsh Shire Council 2016: 10

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Mary Clarke - Ecelctic, jazz, folk

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Mary Clarke - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Mary Clarke - Lack of understanding of the importance of music; community has limited exposure to live music and professional musicians. Remoteness presents networking issues for budding musicians.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Mary Clarke - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Mary Clarke - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Mary Clarke - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Mary Clarke - None that we are aware of.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Mary Clarke - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Mary Clarke - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Mary Clarke - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Mary Clarke - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Mary Clarke - We recently held an event, supported by RAV, which paid regional artists to run workshops in musical improvisation aimed at developing a flourishing musical culture.

Hobsons Bay City Council

Cherry Lake Ward (2 vacancies, 15 candidates)

Candidates

Ms DANIELS, Lynne

Did Not Respond

Mr SINGLETON, Dwayne Robert

Did Not Respond

Ms WILSON, Sandra

Did Not Respond

Mr LONG, Brian

Did Not Respond

Mrs PALMER, Anne

Did Not Respond

Mr XANTHOPOULOS, George

No Email Address Provided

Ms GEIGER, Angelica

Did Not Respond

Ms VAZHNENKO, Sasha

No Email Address Provided

Mr RAFFOUL, Michael

Did Not Respond

Mr ANREP, John

Did Not Respond

BRIFFA, Tony

Did Not Respond

Ms KIRKMAN, J.A.

Did Not Respond

Mrs BARBARA, Rita

No Email Address Provided

Ms RICE, Diana

See Response Below

Mr PRICE, Jason

Did Not Respond

Strand Ward (3 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Ms McKENNEY, Therese Yvonne

Did Not Respond

Mr KURDI, Badge

Did Not Respond

Ms ALTAIR, Angela

Did Not Respond

Mr DIB, Elias

Did Not Respond

Mr MARSDEN, Jonathon

Did Not Respond

Mr WARD, Philip

Did Not Respond

Mr MICHAEL, Barry

Did Not Respond

Mr HEMPHILL, Peter

Did Not Respond

Miss ROSS, Olivia

Did Not Respond

Mr ASSAF, Wajde Wade

Did Not Respond

Wetlands Ward (2 vacancies, 12 candidates)

Candidates

Ms CHUA, Amanda

Did Not Respond

Mr GRECH, Michael Walter

Did Not Respond

Mr MEILAK, Daniel

Did Not Respond

Ms GATES, Colleen

See Response Below

Dr WALIA, Rahul

Did Not Respond

Ms RUBY, Luda

Did Not Respond

Mr SOUIED, Khalid

Did Not Respond

Mr MARSICH, Carl

Did Not Respond

Mr HOGG, John

Did Not Respond

Mrs GRIMA, Diana

Did Not Respond

Mr FIORINI, Charlie

Did Not Respond

Mr GUBECKA, Jerry

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Hobsons Bay City Council 2016: 37

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Diana Rice - Australian independent, world, folk,classical

Colleen Gates - Indi but also a wide variety across all eras.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Diana Rice - N/A

Colleen Gates - Our council supports multiple music events and concerts held at Seaworks, Newport Folk Festival, choir festivals, high school battle of the bands, summer sounds events, contemporary works at the Newport Substation and much more

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Diana Rice - Urban development reducing live performance venue options Lack of stable employment opportunities within the music professions Finding local and affordable rehearsal spaces and studios can be difficult. Ensuring that the economic contribution of arts and music to our local economy is recognised, and artists' work is valued accordingly.

Colleen Gates - Reasonable pay

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Diana Rice - Limited availability of live music venues Venues need to be supported to have their contribution to the local economy and culture recognised.

Colleen Gates - Residential encroachment

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Diana Rice - Yes

Colleen Gates - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Diana Rice - Yes

Colleen Gates - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Diana Rice - Yes

Colleen Gates - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Diana Rice - Hobsons Bay Youth Services have initiated the Kool Schools program for young musicians and provided them with the opportunity to record at an established studio. Battle of the Bands is an annual event run by the Freeza crew at Hobsons Bay Council has also supported youth busking opportunities in shopping areas An annual program of summer sounds is presented with live bands and music in local parks

Colleen Gates - Music represents a large component of our existing arts/culture strategy and events funding support. Musical events occur all year round and are highly regarded and appreciated by our residents

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Diana Rice - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups, to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Hobsons Bay This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 8 and 9

Colleen Gates - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Diana Rice - Need more information

Colleen Gates - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Diana Rice - N/A

Colleen Gates - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Diana Rice - Yes

Colleen Gates - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Colleen Gates - We have recently launched/opened the Newport Community Hub which includes a music room and recording studio available for community access.

Horsham Rural City Council

Horsham Rural City Council (7 vacancies, 14 candidates)

Candidates

Mr ROBINSON, John

No Email Address Provided

Mr JOHNS, Scott

No Email Address Provided

Mr McKINNON, Shaun

No Email Address Provided

Mr RADFORD, Mark Andrew

See Response Below

Miss SEDGMAN, Alethea

No Email Address Provided

Ms PHILLIPS, Heather Ruth

See Response Below

Mr GULVIN, Chris

No Email Address Provided

Mr BOWE, David John

See Response Below

Mr POWER, Les

No Email Address Provided

Mr KOENIG, Joshua

See Response Below

Mrs CLARKE, Pamela

No Email Address Provided

Mrs ROSS, Kathryn

No Email Address Provided

Mr GRIMBLE, David

No Email Address Provided

Mrs BELL, Di

No Email Address Provided

Total candidates for Horsham Rural City Council 2016: 14

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Mark Radford - Music that is played well. All varieties. I play.

Heather Phillips - Rock, Bluegrass, Folk.

David Bowe - all sorts as i a videographer and use music in video

Joshua Koenig - My music taste depends on my mood at the time of choosing a playlist but overall very broad. However at the top of my selection currently lies a fair chunk of alternative rock.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Mark Radford - The redevelopment of our Town Hall and creation of a 500 seat Performing Arts Theatre. Support local musicians through our Community Grants Program. Support our local Arts Council & Dance Schools. Support our NEXUS Youth Centre which provides opportunities for young Bands/Artists

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Mark Radford - Opportunities to perform live is an on-going challenge. Cost of instruments/uniforms can be a barrier. Getting professional musicians to visit up this way can be a challenge

Heather Phillips - Distance from major population areas, so relative small audiences locally.

David Bowe - Lack of facilities, Suitable venue space

Joshua Koenig - I guess the lack of community events for musicians to perform at. There is one local pub that regularly has live events but outside of that, local bands seem to be used more as a private option, whether it be weddings, Christmas parties, birthdays and those type of events.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Mark Radford - We have some live venues. The new PAC has created new opportunities.

Heather Phillips - As above

David Bowe -

Joshua Koenig - That there isn't enough of them!

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Mark Radford - No

Heather Phillips - Yes

David Bowe - No

Joshua Koenig - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Mark Radford - Need more information

Heather Phillips - Yes

David Bowe - Yes

Joshua Koenig - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Mark Radford - Need more information

Heather Phillips - Yes

David Bowe - Yes

Joshua Koenig - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Mark Radford - As above in #4.

Heather Phillips - As above in #4.

David Bowe - Nexus Youth Centre Fri nite live

Joshua Koenig - In all honesty I'm not aware of any current initiatives. However I would be pleased to be corrected on this matter.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Mark Radford - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Heather Phillips - Our major problem is a small rates base, so our ability to be everything to everyone is limited without external funding. All of the above is possible with government or private funding

David Bowe - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Joshua Koenig - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Mark Radford - No

Heather Phillips - No

David Bowe - No

Joshua Koenig - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Mark Radford - Yes

Heather Phillips - Yes

David Bowe - Yes

Joshua Koenig - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Mark Radford - Yes

Heather Phillips - Yes

David Bowe - Yes

Joshua Koenig - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Mark Radford - Music is a wide brief. From the local rock band to the local Salvation Army or Rural City Band. From the College Concert Band to the musos in the orchestra pit of the local production. For older citizens too, music is a great social lubricant.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Imad Hirmiz - N/A

Leanne Morgan - N/A

Tony Daher - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Imad Hirmiz - Lack of venues where they can explore their musical potentials. I also believe having an annual musical festival is not enough. Council should promote music to the community by organising more musical events to invite community members to listen to music. Also allocate bigger section for music in local libraries.

Leanne Morgan - I believe that in any community musicians would find it difficult to be self funded. Jacksons Creek Ward doesn't have a lot of live music venues for musicians and to cater for a wide variety of music genres. Musicians would need to travel often for maximum exposure and to earn a living.

Tony Daher - Not enough musical venues.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Imad Hirmiz - Expensive to hire. Also not enough venues specifically equipped for music in terms of equipment and isolation of noise and be soundproofing, to prevent disturbing neighbourhood.

Leanne Morgan - I don't feel we have venues that will cater for different music styles.

Tony Daher - I hardly hear about any music events in our area.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Imad Hirmiz - Yes

Leanne Morgan - Yes

Tony Daher - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Imad Hirmiz - Yes

Leanne Morgan - Need more information

Tony Daher - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Imad Hirmiz - Yes

Leanne Morgan - Need more information

Tony Daher - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Imad Hirmiz - Apart from musical festivals I am not sure.

Leanne Morgan - Hume Community Grants are offered to not-for-profit community groups or organisations to support programs and initiatives, including arts and cultural initiatives, of direct benefits to communities within Hume City. Funding, advice and support for artists and arts groups are available through a number of other arts funding bodies. The Sunbury music rehearsal space is available for young people in Hume between the ages of 12 and 19 years old. Hume provided free outdoor movie events that took place in Sunbury. The Summer Sessions: Movies and Music series is a range of free and low-cost outdoor movies. An events guide listing on the Hume site. Hume arts awards Festivals in the City of Hume.

Tony Daher - Not sure

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Imad Hirmiz - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Leanne Morgan - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Tony Daher - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Imad Hirmiz - Need more information

Leanne Morgan - Need more information

Tony Daher - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Imad Hirmiz - N/A

Leanne Morgan - N/A

Tony Daher - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Imad Hirmiz - Yes

Leanne Morgan - Yes

Tony Daher - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Imad Hirmiz - Hume City is one of the most diverse cities in Victoria. I always believe that music is an international language where everybody, no mater where they come from, they can understand and enjoy. I would be promoting music in order to further united those many ethnic communities in the city of Hume together in one cohesive multicultural society of Australia.

Tony Daher - In my previous answers I agreed on supporting the use of council facilities and events, but my support will be subject to management/organisation from musicians that will ensure safety and well being to everyone.

Indigo Shire Council

Indigo Shire Council (7 vacancies, 19 candidates)

Candidates

Mr GOLDSWORTHY, Larry

Did Not Respond

Mrs EVANS, Tenniell

Did Not Respond

Mrs MURDOCH, Barb

Did Not Respond

Mr ELLERBOCK, Herb

See Response Below

Mr GAFFNEY, Bernard

Did Not Respond

Mr TRENERY, James

Did Not Respond

Mr TEISSL, Emmerick

Did Not Respond

Ms KEEGAN, Karen Elizabeth

See Response Below

Ms PRICE, Sophie

Did Not Respond

Ms HORNE, Roberta

See Response Below

Mrs CRITCHLEY, Michelle

Did Not Respond

Ms DOWNS, Elaine

No Email Address Provided

Mr CROSS, Craig

No Email Address Provided

Ms SHEPHEARD, Diane

See Response Below

Mr ALLSOP, Robert

Did Not Respond

Ms O'CONNOR, Jenny

Did Not Respond

Mr THOMAS, Harry

Did Not Respond

Mr COLLINS, Neil

No Email Address Provided

Mrs JARVIS-WILLS, Jill

Did Not Respond

Total candidates for Indigo Shire Council 2016: 19

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Herb Ellerbock - A wide variety of genres

Karen Keegan - Folk, rock

Roberta Horne - Most styles other than heavy metal

Dianne Shepheard - classical, folk, world, pop, indie, blues

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Herb Ellerbock - N/A

Karen Keegan - N/A

Roberta Horne - I'm very pleased to say that Indigo Shire supports a number of festivals with everything from bagpipe music to folk music and community singing at Carols by Candlelight in most towns

Dianne Shepheard - N/A

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Herb Ellerbock - I have not had much exposure to musicians in my community

Karen Keegan - Availability of venues and work

Roberta Horne - Having the opportunity to perform and earn a living from their music

Dianne Shepheard - We have many opportunities for local performers to get involved in live music. We need to encourage people to get out and enjoy the music that's available.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Herb Ellerbock - I have not frequented live music venues in my community

Karen Keegan - Cost of maintenance and upkeep for halls and venues. most venues are in local hotels, which serve as a social meeting place for the community

Dianne Shepheard - Getting audiences to come along and be part of the live music culture

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Herb Ellerbock - No

Karen Keegan - Yes

Roberta Horne - No

Dianne Shepheard - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Herb Ellerbock - Need more information

Karen Keegan - Yes

Roberta Horne - Need more information

Dianne Shepheard - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Herb Ellerbock - Need more information

Karen Keegan - Yes

Roberta Horne - Need more information

Dianne Shepheard - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Herb Ellerbock - I don't know

Karen Keegan - Support for Yackandandah Folk festival and more general support for events across the shire

Roberta Horne - Community grants are available

Dianne Shepheard - We have many grassroots music groups and some great music festivals. I was a co-founder of the Yackandandah Folk Festival so I'm a known quantity in terms of support for live music.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Herb Ellerbock - I would need more information

Karen Keegan - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Roberta Horne - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Dianne Shepheard - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Herb Ellerbock - Need more information

Karen Keegan - No

Roberta Horne - Need more information

Dianne Shepheard - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Herb Ellerbock - N/A

Karen Keegan - Yes

Roberta Horne - Yes

Dianne Shepheard - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Herb Ellerbock - Yes

Karen Keegan - Yes

Roberta Horne - Yes

Dianne Shepheard - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Karen Keegan - While I indicated that I would support an increase in grant opportunities, this comment applies to community groups generally, it is not limited to the music and related industry

Roberta Horne - Open dialogue is always valuable in making everyone aware of how we can work together to encourage and enrich our communities in this very important part of our lives. Thank you for your proactive approach

Dianne Shepheard - I think Indigo Shire already has a vibrant music and arts culture but we can always do more

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Simon Watt - N/A

Jillian Van - N/A

Victoria Oxley - This is my first outing as a candidate for local council. The current council has recently voted on the last pub along the Beach Road in Kingston.

Nandani Singhal - N/A

Jim Dale - N/A

Simon Hardham - N/A

Cameron Howe - N/A

Alex Breskin - N/A

Tamsin Bearsley - We started Kingston's got talent - which was really successful in promoting junior talent. We support a summer concert series, we have three festivals a year that promote emerging and established artists. We also support big band concerts and three concert bands. We are doing the first Jazz-oake in Kingston on October 12th at Kingston city hall. I saw Mojo perform in Richmond and I just had to see if we could bring it to Kingston.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Simon Watt - I don't know

Jillian Van - No live venues

Victoria Oxley - Closure and redevelopment of live music venues;

Nandani Singhal - Getting good Money

Jim Dale - venues

Simon Hardham - limited venues for live music and those that are closing down for varied reasons

Cameron Howe - Whilst our local music festivals have continued to be a success, these events also need to focus on supporting local acts and not just the big names. Opportunities for artists to perform are very few and far between, but could be addressed through the Council's support of open mic events and assisting with the creation of conditions for live music to thrive in.

Alex Breskin - There definitely has been a trend of urban development reducing the amount of live performance venue options. One massive example of that is the closure of The Mentone Hotel and the question marks surrounding its future, in this case as a live music venue.

Tamsin Bearsley - Regular gigs, practice space

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Simon Hardham - as above limited venues and lack of public transport to some suburbs which decreases patron interest

Cameron Howe - Marketing of live music venues is a critical area that would need to be addressed to assist with attracting larger audiences to venues, and this could be further developed within existing Council programs for the arts in conjunction with a full analysis of current promotional activities.

Alex Breskin - Several venues have closed down as they are being redeveloped into residential apartments. Perceptions of safety around love music venues are changing and greater regulation is being placed on patrons which might deter patronage. There's still confusion and conflict around encroachment of noise sensitive uses (e.g. new dwellings) on existing live music venues. Venues need to be supported to have their contribution to the local economy and culture recognized.

Tamsin Bearsley - We have a lot of private venues for small bands but only a few spaces for larger bands and audiences - though that number is increasing.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Simon Watt - No

Jillian Van - No

Victoria Oxley - Yes

Nandani Singhal - No

Jim Dale - No

Simon Hardham - Yes

Cameron Howe - Yes

Alex Breskin - Yes

Tamsin Bearsley - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Simon Watt - Need more information

Jillian Van - Yes

Victoria Oxley - Yes

Nandani Singhal - Need more information

Jim Dale - Yes

Simon Hardham - Yes

Cameron Howe - Yes

Alex Breskin - Yes

Tamsin Bearsley - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Simon Watt - Need more information

Jillian Van - Yes

Victoria Oxley - Yes

Nandani Singhal - Need more information

Jim Dale - Yes

Simon Hardham - Yes

Cameron Howe - Yes

Alex Breskin - Need more information

Tamsin Bearsley - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Simon Watt - Don't know

Jillian Van - I have no idea but I am hoping to find out. I am guessing the support is mainly to schools music programs.

Victoria Oxley - Mordialloc food wine & music festival Globe to globe world music festival Open air jazz nights carols by kingston

Nandani Singhal - Arranging many competitions and festivals to encourage budding and experienced musicians to showcase their talent.

Cameron Howe - The City of Kingston currently hosts music festivals and gigs at its arts centre and theatre, which are listed on the Kingston Arts website.

Alex Breskin - Kingston City does have a dedicated department to support music and the arts. When it comes to festival and live performances, this includes the Mordialloc Food, Wine & Music Festival and the Globe to Globe World Music Festival. For performances, Kingston Arts Centre and Kingston City Hall have performances as dedicated by Kingston Arts that have a listing here: http://www.kingstonarts.com.au/MUSIC I am also aware that there is a busking permit that is available free of charge, which allows a performer to collect donations while performing in public spaces. More information can be found here: http://www.kingstonarts.com.au/OPPORTUNITIES/Busking

Tamsin Bearsley - See question 4

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Simon Watt - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Jillian Van - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Victoria Oxley - All of the above

Nandani Singhal - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Jim Dale - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Simon Hardham - i would like to explore all of the above

Cameron Howe - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Alex Breskin - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups, to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the Kingston City. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10.

Tamsin Bearsley - Grants and support are available but more can be done. Safe and inclusive practises are encourage across all industries. I love the idea of partnering with Music Victoria and would be keen to explore the need for rehearsal space in Kingston.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Simon Watt - Need more information

Jillian Van - Yes

Victoria Oxley - No

Nandani Singhal - Need more information

Jim Dale - No

Simon Hardham - Need more information

Cameron Howe - Need more information

Alex Breskin - Need more information

Tamsin Bearsley - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Simon Watt - N/A

Jillian Van - N/A

Victoria Oxley - Yes

Nandani Singhal - N/A

Jim Dale - Yes

Simon Hardham - N/A

Cameron Howe - N/A

Alex Breskin - N/A

Tamsin Bearsley - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Simon Watt - Yes

Jillian Van - Yes

Victoria Oxley - Yes

Nandani Singhal - Yes

Jim Dale - Yes

Simon Hardham - Yes

Cameron Howe - Yes

Alex Breskin - Yes

Tamsin Bearsley - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Victoria Oxley - Kingston has beautiful large open spaces and has a substantial beach frontage. I would like to see more open air venues for youth to participate and enjoy music - alcohol and other substance free.

Cameron Howe - A true Independent is someone not affiliated with a political party, but someone who is connected to, and simply wants the best for the local community. Someone with an independent voice, your voice, and without connection to major political parties. I am that Someone. I am a local resident of Patterson Lakes, have a Bachelor of Business, and day-to- day I am employed as an Account Manager for a wholesaler, which has enabled me to master ways to improve efficiency and quality. I'd like to apply this to Council processes to assist with rate reductions. I founded the Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum in 2010, which is a community forum for a very broad cross-section of local people, groups and issues, and celebrates our unique area. I now wish to take this to a broader community and will champion measures to boost local economic conditions, work to introduce mental health programmes, advocate for improvements to local parks and waterways, advocate for measures to improve accessibility for people with physical restrictions and disabilities, support measures to improve the amenity of Kingston's Foreshore, and assist with securing funding for sports clubs. Ratepayers deserve respect to not have large infrastructure projects initiated without transparent communication and sound planning. https://www.facebook.com/Vote1CamHowe/

Alex Breskin - For Question 12, 13 and 14, I would be happy to advocate for more money to support local live music as part of the council budget process as well as investigating opportunities to support local live music through a community grants program. I know that musicians have it tough and that the path you walk is one where insecurity follows, where making ends meet is tough and that it takes a lot of passion to make it. This I don't doubt and I would happily discuss these concerns on making music viable in our city for the entertainers and for the residents. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Tamsin Bearsley - I am a big supporter of all performing arts and would also love to see more live entertainment venues in Kingston. I am interested in understanding the funding/grants available and whether anyone has done any comparisons with sports funding.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Anthony Searle - Musicians finding it difficult in making ends meet is something I have always been aware of. Recognition or the opportunity to get this is also an issue to me.

Yvonne Allred - Lack of community awareness of musicians and opportunity to better promote to increase audiences and support for these musicians.

Peter Lockwood - lack of live venues

Karin Kauffmann - I am not sure but I could ask members of The Ramshackle Army and The Smith Street Band, what their thoughts on the matter are.

Barry May - The fact that we have the Australian Jazz Museum in my ward of Collier and it is hardly known to the world is a disgrace. Having recorded a song before I know first hand that musicians do not get paid at all or very little. Therefore funding for events is essential to promote and support local musicians. Simply, hiring a venue and stage equipment, sound and lighting equipment hire; all are very hard to accomplish if a musician must foot the bill. I would love to see a classical music event during Christmas of an evening so that local residents could end the day listening to a piece or two composed by Prof. Martin Luther.

Jackson Taylor - Funding and Support - Promotion of local grassroots musicians - Engagement with local musicians and live venues

Robert Williams - There is massive room for the Arts and Music within the City Of Knox - and we need to look at facilities to encourage this. Where there is an opportunity we must look to find a way to support it.

Anthony Aulsebrook - Having a sufficient variety of live venues to be able to play in.

Linda Groom - This is not something that I have investigated as part of nominating, I would need to do further research.

Scott David - I couldn't say for certain but I would believe that not enough is done to expose the talent pool of young and even developed musicians in the region. I believe that the council could do more to have local papers and local radios advertise and help expose the work of musicians in the Knox region.

Adrian De Angelis - Access to Recording space and live venues

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Anthony Searle - The lack of them! My personal observations are since gaming has been introduced the number of live venues has decreased.

Yvonne Allred - Noise complaints from neighbouring residents.

Peter Lockwood - The lack of.

Karin Kauffmann - Refer response to Question 5.

Barry May - Facilities, facilities, facilities. Our outdated facilities are not equipped at all period. Most facilities admittedly were purpose built to serve a function, Football and Cricket. And this is ok. However, as time has passed our community has grown enormously. Not only have the Footy and Cricket teams outgrown the facilities provided but we now have residents with a wide array of interests.

Jackson Taylor - Safety of patrons and no clear promotional strategy of live music

Robert Williams - Security, Patronage and Locations

Anthony Aulsebrook - There are none that I know of that are available apart from the Knox Community Centre.

Linda Groom - This is not something that I have investigated as part of nominating, I would need to do further research.

Scott David - In my ward particularly I don't see any facilities for musicians and this is something which if I am elected I would like to fix and try to improve within my region if not the the entire City of Knox

Adrian De Angelis - Rising cost of security

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Anthony Searle - No

Yvonne Allred - Yes

Peter Lockwood - Yes

Karin Kauffmann - No

Barry May - Yes

Jackson Taylor - Yes

Robert Williams - Yes

Anthony Aulsebrook - Yes

Linda Groom - No

Scott David - No

Adrian De Angelis - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Anthony Searle - Yes

Yvonne Allred - Yes

Peter Lockwood - Need more information

Karin Kauffmann - Yes

Barry May - Yes

Jackson Taylor - Yes

Robert Williams - Yes

Anthony Aulsebrook - Yes

Linda Groom - Need more information

Scott David - Yes

Adrian De Angelis - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Anthony Searle - Yes

Yvonne Allred - Yes

Peter Lockwood - Need more information

Karin Kauffmann - Yes

Barry May - Yes

Jackson Taylor - Yes

Robert Williams - Yes

Anthony Aulsebrook - Yes

Linda Groom - Need more information

Scott David - Yes

Adrian De Angelis - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Anthony Searle - At this point in time I have no idea.

Yvonne Allred - Not aware of current initiatives being undertaken at this stage.

Peter Lockwood - We utilise the Knox Community Arts Centre (Bayswater) for live music as well as dramatic productions.

Karin Kauffmann - I have no idea

Barry May - The Knox Festival is a growing event during the calendar year and would be the biggest supporter of local and state musicians.

Jackson Taylor - There is no clear direction or all together transparent plan

Robert Williams - Nil currently that I am aware of.

Anthony Aulsebrook - None that I am aware of.

Linda Groom - This is not something that I have investigated as part of nominating, I would need to do further research.

Scott David - Need more information

Adrian De Angelis - Various events are held within the City over the year.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Anthony Searle - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Yvonne Allred - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Peter Lockwood - Some or all of the above

Karin Kauffmann - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Barry May - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Jackson Taylor - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Robert Williams - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Anthony Aulsebrook - All sound like positive moves.

Linda Groom - This is not something that I have investigated as part of nominating, I would need to do further research.

Scott David - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Adrian De Angelis - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Anthony Searle - Yes

Yvonne Allred - No

Peter Lockwood - No

Karin Kauffmann - Need more information

Barry May - No

Jackson Taylor - No

Robert Williams - No

Anthony Aulsebrook - No

Linda Groom - Need more information

Scott David - Need more information

Adrian De Angelis -

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Anthony Searle - N/A

Yvonne Allred - Yes

Peter Lockwood - Yes

Karin Kauffmann - N/A

Barry May - Yes

Jackson Taylor - Yes

Robert Williams - Yes

Anthony Aulsebrook - Yes

Linda Groom - N/A

Scott David - N/A

Adrian De Angelis - N/A

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Anthony Searle - Yes

Yvonne Allred - Yes

Peter Lockwood - Yes

Karin Kauffmann - Yes

Barry May - Yes

Jackson Taylor - Yes

Robert Williams - Yes

Anthony Aulsebrook - Yes

Linda Groom - Yes

Scott David - Yes

Adrian De Angelis - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Anthony Searle -

Yvonne Allred -

Peter Lockwood - We have the Victorian Jazz Museum in Knox.We support them as much as possible.

Karin Kauffmann - Thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to complete your survey.

Barry May - While it is ok to support such objectives, we must in balance look at the finer details of costing and ongoing costs. Energy prices are at an all time high and running amps for electric guitar and bass can be quite costly. So, my support is for music and the advancement of music as an industry but all with careful analysis of financial support with a view to become self-supporting. And I believe this can be done. Thank you.

Jackson Taylor -

Robert Williams -

Anthony Aulsebrook - Council does not provide any of their venues for nothing - not even for charitable organisations.

Linda Groom - As a first time candidate, I find it interesting the number of groups that surface around election time that I have previously never heard of. I think it is great and adds to the complexity of the journey.

Scott David -

Adrian De Angelis - while i have answered No to some of these questions i would actually say that i am open to discussion on these questions with people who are more knowledgeable on these items. A "Maybe" option would be much more suitable.

Latrobe City Council

Central Ward (2 vacancies, 6 candidates)

Candidates

Mr McFARLANE, Alan

No email address provided

Ms BOOTHMAN, Carolyne

Did not respond

Dr SINDT, Christine

See below response

Mr MIDDLEMISS, Graeme

No email address provided

Mrs LUND, Tracie

Did not respond

Mr GEDDES, Merv

No email address provided

East Ward (4 vacancies, 12 candidates)

Candidates

Mr O'DONNELL, Nathan

See below response

Mr GREEN, Randell

Did not respond

Ms O'CALLAGHAN, Kellie

Did not respond

Ms CAMPBELL, Joanne

See below response

Ms KAM, Sandy

Did not respond

Mr HARRIMAN, Dale

No email address provided

Mr ROSSITER, Michael

Did not respond

Mr CLANCEY, Dan

Did not respond

Mr CAFFREY, Dan

Did not respond

Mr TAM, Brendan

Did not respond

Mrs SYKES, Johanna F. H.

No email address provided

Mr HOWE, Darren

Did not respond

South Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs REID, Linda

Did not respond

Mr WHITE, Darrell

Did not respond

West Ward (2 vacancies, 4 candidates)

Candidates

Mr LAMBDEN, Guss

No email address provided

Mrs GIBSON, Sharon

No email address provided

Ms KENNEDY, Tamara

Did not respond

Mr LAW, Bradley

Did not respond

Total candidates for Latrobe City Council 2016: 24

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Nathan O'Donnell - Jazz, Country and Swing

Christine Sindt - Handel, Beethoven

Joanne Campbell - Most music

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Nathan O'Donnell - NA

Christine Sindt - We have obtained a total of $30 million, $10 million each from Local, State and Federal government for the new Latrobe Creative Precinct; support for the Traralgon Brass Band to travel to France; support for the Latrobe Youth Orchestra to travel to our Sister Cities in China and Japan

Joanne Campbell - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Nathan O'Donnell - Lack of opportunity for musicians to perform at live venues in the municipality. A vibrant live music scene is an asset to any local area.

Christine Sindt - Lack of access to musical instruments for young people

Joanne Campbell - No response

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Nathan O'Donnell - Over regulation, to much red tape adding to costs and reducing their opportunity to host live bands.

Christine Sindt - They are all good

Joanne Campbell - No response

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Nathan O'Donnell - Yes

Christine Sindt - No

Joanne Campbell - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Nathan O'Donnell - Yes

Christine Sindt - Need more information

Joanne Campbell - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Nathan O'Donnell - Yes

Christine Sindt - Yes

Joanne Campbell - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Nathan O'Donnell - I don't feel as though enough is being done to support our local music industry.

Christine Sindt - Building the $30 million Latrobe Creative Precinct, and I am very pleased to have been involved at every stage; Local, State and Federal

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Bill West - I do not have in-depth knowledge of this subject but would be happy to discuss with local musicians.

Natasha Gayfer - Lack of suitable venues.

Nicole Rowan - It is important that musicians are valued by paying them appropriately. Too often, people ask musicians to perform but are not prepared to pay them at all or at a reasonable level.

Donna Fisk - apathy ..I could go on but this issue is too big to discuss in a few words

Mandi Mees - Musicians want to have fun and play as often as they can. I think that the local talent may be undervalued, and in many cases, underpaid for their skills.

Hilary Roberts - No response

Jennifer Anderson - Being aware of one another and having mean to connect with each other, also appropriate venues

Paul Hosking - Opportunities for young musicians to play, more volunteers always required to help with schools music and special events.

Janet Pearce - Local venues for live bands/ general performers and orchestra.

Andrew Dodds - I do not presume to know the biggest issues facing musicians in my municipality of the West Ward. I believe that should I be fortunate enough to be elected that I would seek to canvas the issues facing the musicians within the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and to establish a policy to move forward. That being said, I do feel that there is the need for a council funded music venue within the Macedon Ranges.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Bill West - I do not have in-depth knowledge of this to comment.

Natasha Gayfer - Insurance and licensing.

Nicole Rowan - There are not enough venues for local musicians, and those that exist are inadequate and, potentially, unsafe. The Macedon Ranges invests heavily in international music performances at Hanging Rock, but this could be reviewed in relation to the extent that local musicians are supported by the Council

Janet Pearce - The lack of them. Generally one or two in each of the larger towns. Advertising the events.

Andrew Dodds - Again, I would not presume to know the biggest issues facing live music venues in my municipality. Many of the venues in the Woodend area only accommodate small bands and the production quality of the sound desks supporting the performers is not of a high standard. The Kyneton Town Hall has a proscenium arch and raked stage, and the acoustics of the venue are not of great quality. I therefore feel that the biggest issue facing live music venues is the need for adequate equipment to support musicians.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Bill West - Yes

Natasha Gayfer - Yes

Nicole Rowan - Yes

Donna Fisk - No

Mandi Mees - No

Hilary Roberts - No

Jennifer Anderson - No

Paul Hosking - No

Janet Pearce - Yes

Andrew Dodds - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Bill West - Need more information

Natasha Gayfer - Yes

Nicole Rowan - Yes

Donna Fisk - Need more information

Mandi Mees - Need more information

Hilary Roberts - Yes

Jennifer Anderson -Need more information

Paul Hosking - Yes

Janet Pearce - Yes

Andrew Dodds - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Bill West - Yes

Natasha Gayfer - Yes

Nicole Rowan - Yes

Donna Fisk - Need more information

Mandi Mees - Need more information

Hilary Roberts - Yes

Jennifer Anderson - Need more information

Paul Hosking - Yes

Janet Pearce - Yes

Andrew Dodds - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Bill West - Macedon Ranges has a strong arts community and regularly has artists performing in Kyneton. Council supports local festivals and entertainments on a regular basis, and allow world class musicians to perform at Hanging Rock.

Natasha Gayfer - Occasional shows, concerts and workshops - no specific music strategy is in place.

Nicole Rowan - The Macedon Ranges Shire Council supports music events but does not necessarily recognise the value that local for-profit music venues have in contributing to the cultural life of the community. There are many non-profit initiatives including choirs, children's music, community music programs etc. that are promoted and supported by Council.

Donna Fisk - There are a few efforts but they are not from my point of view advantageous to a music career

Mandi Mees - The Macedon Ranges Shire do support and have initiated music initiatives, however, I would like to see music shared more with the wider public, to raise awareness of classical and contemporary pieces and to nurture the next generation of musicians. Sir Henry Joseph Wood accomplished this through promenade concerts.

Hilary Roberts - don't know

Jennifer Anderson - see above but i do think it might be good to look into the arts overall, not just music, to better identify the needs of our local artists

Paul Hosking - Annual school music event

Janet Pearce - The youth services support with "music in the Sticks" program. They have been well funded for music equipment. They support Battle of the Bands. There are grant opportunities-Resonance orchestra and the Gisborne singers have had support through this.

Andrew Dodds - Music In The Sticks (MITS) is an initiative for young people in the Macedon Ranges Shire aged 14-25 with an interest in the music industry. It has been running for over 15 years and provides skills and experience in a range of areas such as: event management; sound and lighting; photography and film; publicity and management; live and studio recording; sound production; and, hospitality. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month (except school and public holidays) at the Woodend Community Centre from 4.30pm-6pm. Food and drinks are provided.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Bill West - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Natasha Gayfer - All of the above.

Nicole Rowan - All of the above.

Donna Fisk - I think all the above have merit

Mandi Mees - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Hilary Roberts - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Jennifer Anderson - more for our youth is particularly important but music deelopent workshops sound like a good idea i really would need to consult the music community to know what they think the priorities and gaps are before committing to any one answer

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Bill West - Need more information

Natasha Gayfer - Need more information

Nicole Rowan - No

Donna Fisk - Need more information

Mandi Mees - Need more information

Hilary Roberts - Need more information

Jennifer Anderson - Need more information

Paul Hosking - No

Janet Pearce - Yes

Andrew Dodds - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Bill West - NA

Natasha Gayfer - NA

Nicole Rowan - Yes

Donna Fisk - NA

Mandi Mees - NA

Hilary Roberts - NA

Jennifer Anderson - NA

Paul Hosking - Yes

Janet Pearce - NA

Andrew Dodds - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Bill West - Yes

Natasha Gayfer - Yes

Nicole Rowan - Yes

Donna Fisk - Yes

Mandi Mees - Yes

Hilary Roberts - Yes

Jennifer Anderson - Yes

Paul Hosking - Yes

Janet Pearce - Yes

Andrew Dodds - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Nicole Rowan - I worked as a community arts manager in the Northern Territory where I actively supported tours of local Indigenous bands within and outside of the Territory. Artists need support to develop their business acumen in order to increase and maximise opportunities available to them.

Donna Fisk - G’day Folks Please note ....I am a musician !!!! My main agendas are health, empathy, patience and dare I say…“We Can”. I believe in progress and its perfect companion sustainability. I honour those who have come before us and their legacy. My professional biography describes me as an Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Recording Artist, Producer and “Royal Command Performer,” immortalised in the ‘Australian Country Music Hands of Fame”. Skills I have learnt within the complex entertainment industry are invaluable and in context with the challenges of being a councillor. Involvement in my community has been via business, charities, events and personal projects. I have been a tutor at Victoria University and I currently teach at a secondary college in our Shire and privately. I am also in the middle of my new recording deal project in Nashville, USA. I have a “BAND” mentality, simply, a code of delegation, I respect expertise and believe in the cohesion bought to a group of people with this approach. At this time I think it would be appropriate for the Macedon Ranges Shire to join hands and sing “Kumbaya”…LOL !

Jennifer Anderson - Music is a very important part of life and Macedon Ranges has many musicians, along with other artists. I hope we can have an approach where we can learn more about current gaps and how we can have strategies to bring more music to more people and jobs and ongoing musical education to our community

Paul Hosking - Great idea, you were the first to contact me with an opportunity for input. Was keen to respond. In my policy, I state that I'm wanting young people in our area to be engaged with activities beyond sport.

Janet Pearce - There is increased live music in Woodend and Kyneton over the last few years. Facebook page Live Music Billboard Macedon Ranges a good initiative.

Manningham City Council

Heide Ward (3 vacancies, 12 candidates)

Candidates

Miss KLEINERT, Michelle

See below response

Ms COOKE, Christine

See below response

PICCININI, Paula

Did not respond

Mrs TANG, Emily

See below response

Mr AGROTIS, Matthew

Did not respond

Mr BELLOBUONO, Manny

Did not respond

Mr FRAWLEY, Ben

See below response

Mr WYNNE, David

Did not respond

Mr GOUGH, Geoff

Did not respond

Mrs GACOVSKI, Dina

No email address provided

Mr GRIVOKOSTOPOULOS, Jim

Did not respond

Mr LYNN, Scott

See below response

Koonung Ward (3 vacancies, 7 candidates)

Candidates

Ms HAYNES, Dot

See below response

Ms CHEN, Anna

See below response

Mr ZAFIROPOULOS, Mike

See below response

Mr VISA, Moti

See below response

Ms YEE, Stella

Did not respond

Mr O'BRIEN, Stephen

Did not respond

Mr KITCHINGMAN, Ron

Did not respond

Mullum Mullum Ward (3 vacancies, 13 candidates)

Candidates

Mr CONLON, Andrew

See below response

Mrs DOWNIE, Meg

See below response

Ms LA VELLA, Grace

Did not respond

Mrs GALBALLY, Sophy

No email address provided

Mr LIGHTBODY, Tomas

Did not respond

Mrs GENAT, Karin

See below response

Mr MARGETTS, Graham Andy

See below response

Ms LANGE, Carli

See below response

Mr McLEISH, Paul

Did not respond

Mr LAI, Raymond

See below response

Mr KNIGHT, Maverick

See below response

Dr CLARK, Peter

See below response

Mr COLLINS, Glenn

Did not respond

Total candidates for Manningham City Council 2016: 32

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Andrew Conlon - Bluesy rock

Christine Cooke - Good music of all types

Mike Zafiropoulos - Classical & pop

Moti Visa - Jaaz and Country Music

Graham Andy Margetts - Rock and pop

Carli Lange - Jazz is my favourite but I enjoy a mixture of all types of music.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Andrew Conlon - NA

Christine Cooke - NA

Mike Zafiropoulos - NA

Moti Visa - NA

Graham Andy Margetts - NA

Carli Lange - NA

Scott Lynn - NA

Maverick Knight - NA

Michelle Kleinert - Implemented a busking policy to encourage busking in activity centres. I was instrumental in having this created.

Dot Haynes -I have had one term as a Councillor and straight away implemented School groups to perform in community days such as harmony Day and more. I also support local individuals to write songs, plays, dancing and bands, including Jazz and especially Cultural music from all of our diverse communities coming together. I am hoping to build on that and use our playhouse more often ofr intimate open mike type nights.

Peter Clark - NA

Karin Genat - NA

Emily Tang - NA

Anna Chen - NA

Meg Downie - We. have a council band which has regular concerts throughout the year and plays at citizenship ceremonies. We allow buskers although I think they have to register. We have concerts for the youth.

Ben Frawley - NA

Raymond Lai - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Andrew Conlon - No response

Christine Cooke - Not enough support or promotion.

Mike Zafiropoulos - Finding enough gigs to support themselves; Receiving financial and other assistance to overcome the high expenditure involved.

Moti Visa - In my opinion the main issue is that Local Musicians are not given much importance as compared to overseas one. People are paying lot of money to attend their event but wouldn't spend that much for Local musicians. This has to be changed.

Graham Andy Margetts - Music seen as a hobby, not a career. Not enough support for musicians who do want to make it their career.

Carli Lange - opportunities to expose themselves as musicians to the broader community. If elected a Mullum Mullum Ward Councillor - I would like to look into mentor programs that provide opportunities to have music students support local businesses and vice versa.

Dot Haynes -Lack of opportunity to show their creative abilities. Young and Old

Peter Clark - More programs dedicated to music with encouragement to be playing at festivals in and around shopping villages. A focus on youth and music. Youth that may not be interested in sport can sometimes be drawn to music.

Karin Genat - Local coverage, lack of venues. Mentoring of up and coming musicians, costs.

Emily Tang - Musician are very hard to earn their living.

Anna Chen - We need a stand alone Music Plan to link to other council's policies.

Meg Downie - Insufficient venues.

Ben Frawley - Due to digitization of music and its ease of distribution both legally and illegally, I feel that it is harder to make money from it and establish a paying career from it. That been said, modern digitization enables otherwise unheard artists a chance to be heard.

Raymond Lai - Distances required to travel both for audience and musician

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Andrew Conlon - No response

Christine Cooke - Possibly a lack of organisation and venues outside the main hotels and churchs.

Mike Zafiropoulos - Inadequate parking and safety issues

Moti Visa - Again, the attendance is not as much as of overseas artists. Not adequetly equipped.

Graham Andy Margetts - Strict requirements for security (often levied to musicians themselves) makes securing live gigs much harder than it used to be.

Carli Lange - opportunities to expose themselves as live music musicians to the broader community. If elected a Mullum Mullum Ward Councillor - I would like to look into mentor programs that provide opportunities to have live - music students support local businesses and vice versa.

Scott Lynn - Venue sizes and the not enough support to develop talent.

Maverick Knight - Lack of advertising and the fact that the venues don't believe that live music will draw crowds when the opposite is in fact true.

Michelle Kleinert - Appropriate sound level as venues have surrounding dwellings. That being said, many venues provide music and have not had negative feedback.

Dot Haynes - We have none to really speak of. I have to go into the city for that and are encouraging more street in local shopping activity centres as well as like I mentioned before at the playhouse and open up council facilities for live music.

Peter Clark - I would like to see more live music in and around Manningham. Better facilities for all age groups and types to be able to express themselves freely. This includes lower costs that are more suited to the industry at the local level and room for audiences for the enjoyment of all.

Karin Genat - Not enough venues as well as not enough advertising or marketing.

Emily Tang - Ruffy Lake Park

Anna Chen - Local law and lack of suitable facilities.

Meg Downie - The only venues that I know of are large hotels. I am not aware of any problems.

Ben Frawley - Ha yes, coming from an era when going out on a Saturday night to hear a band play was normal, I would agree there has been a decline in live music venues. I would support greater support in this area. I like the trend these days of music festivals. In some ways I wish I was young again and could attend them.

Raymond Lai - Manningham does not have many live music venues, it should consider to strengthen its policies by providing a low cost option to local live musicians to use space inside or outside of the council in a special occasion, like Jazz or Violin night in Manningham. I don't see it as a noise problem if it only for a few times in a year for special events. In fact, it should help to strength the image of Doncaster Hill.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Andrew Conlon - No

Christine Cooke - Yes

Mike Zafiropoulos - Yes

Moti Visa - No

Graham Andy Margetts - Yes

Carli Lange - Yes

Scott Lynn - Yes

Maverick Knight - Yes

Michelle Kleinert - No

Dot Haynes -Yes

Peter Clark - Yes

Karin Genat - No

Emily Tang - Yes

Anna Chen - Yes

Meg Downie - No

Ben Frawley - No

Raymond Lai - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Andrew Conlon - Need more information

Christine Cooke - Yes

Mike Zafiropoulos - Yes

Moti Visa - Yes

Graham Andy Margetts - Yes

Carli Lange - Yes

Scott Lynn - Yes

Maverick Knight - Yes

Michelle Kleinert - Yes

Dot Haynes - Yes

Peter Clark - Yes

Karin Genat - Yes

Emily Tang - Yes

Anna Chen - Yes

Meg Downie - Yes

Ben Frawley - Yes

Raymond Lai - No

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Andrew Conlon - Need more information

Christine Cooke - Yes

Mike Zafiropoulos - Yes

Moti Visa - Yes

Graham Andy Margetts - Yes

Carli Lange - Yes

Scott Lynn - Yes

Maverick Knight - Yes

Michelle Kleinert - Yes

Dot Haynes -Yes

Peter Clark - Yes

Karin Genat - Yes

Emily Tang - Yes

Anna Chen - Yes

Meg Downie - Yes

Ben Frawley - Yes

Raymond Lai - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Andrew Conlon - not sure

Christine Cooke - Manningham has a broad range of mostly free community programs and events as well as choirs and music groups.

Mike Zafiropoulos - A number of musical events for seniors, musical programs for families and festivals, workshops at Manningham Art Studios, cultural diversity programs and music programs for children

Moti Visa - Study and inspect the venues and improve as per suggestions of experts. Recommend for proper payment to the Local Musicians.

Graham Andy Margetts - Manningham Council holds concerts to support live music, but there is not a defined music strategy as such.

Carli Lange - We have a number of live-music venues within Manningham City and Manningham has a busking program.

Scott Lynn - The Summer Sounds Festival enables people to view some good musicians and artists, allowing people to potentially get inspired and pick up a musical instrument. Allowing musicians to regularly perform at Hotel Shoppingtown for the viewing public is a plus. However, there needs to be more workshops and events supported by private donors, the Victorian and Federal government to encourage artists within Manningham by effectively working with the council to develop local talent. Cutting down on local government waste would assist in addressing the issue.

Maverick Knight - A tad more live venues, at least with live music one night a week, usually Fridays More options for artists to perform live at local festivals (Warrandyte Festival, Youth Festival, Battle of the Bands, Eltham Fair etc) YMCA supporting young artists. I am 19 and recently completed the Write and Record program at the YMCA which is brilliant and very well run.

Michelle Kleinert - We don't seem to have an issue with music. We support it where it is and to my knowledge never ceased. Our youth services is outsourced to YMCA and we have been supportive to anything of a music nature.

Dot Haynes -Very few sadly, even our Youth services need to do more. Our Manningham Community band in my view is all we can say we do and it is not broad enough for other avenues of the diverse music creativity around.

Peter Clark - Not sure as I am not currently on Council. If elected, I will look in to what initiatives (if any) are currently being undertaken to support music.

Karin Genat - Honestly, not sure. But I have a son who plays and was part of a small band. It would be nice to see how we can support younger bands, musicians to get a start.

Emily Tang - N/A

Anna Chen - Not sure.

Meg Downie - not sure

Ben Frawley - That's a good question and I wouldn't know. That being said, I have often though how good it would be if there were more out of city venues for live bands and theater productions. I would definitely consider proposals for such venues.

Raymond Lai - Need to find out more after successful becoming a councilor.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Andrew Conlon - all of the above

Christine Cooke - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues Grants and support for all ages gigs Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Moti Visa - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Graham Andy Margetts - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues, musicians parking/loading zones outside live music venues, partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops, encouraging local venues to operating using safe and inclusive practices.

Carli Lange - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues, partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops, encourage local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practise.

Scott Lynn - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Maverick Knight - More options for artists to perform live at local festivals (Warrandyte Festival, Youth Festival, Battle of the Bands, Eltham Fair etc)

Michelle Kleinert - More then 1 of the above.

Dot Haynes -I have ideas as I have lived in the USA and spend as much of my free time going to many venues around Melbourne

Peter Clark - Yes, I support all the above initiatives.

Karin Genat - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Emily Tang - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Anna Chen - The above initiatives are supported.

Meg Downie - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Ben Frawley - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Raymond Lai - rants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Andrew Conlon - Need more information

Christine Cooke - Need more information

Mike Zafiropoulos - Need more information

Moti Visa - Need more information

Graham Andy Margetts - No

Carli Lange - Need more information

Scott Lynn - No

Maverick Knight - No

Michelle Kleinert - Yes

Dot Haynes - No

Peter Clark - No

Karin Genat - No response

Emily Tang - No

Anna Chen - No response

Meg Downie - No

Ben Frawley - No

Raymond Lai - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Andrew Conlon - NA

Christine Cooke - NA

Mike Zafiropoulos - NA

Moti Visa - NA

Graham Andy Margetts - Yes

Carli Lange - NA

Scott Lynn - Yes

Maverick Knight - Yes

Michelle Kleinert - NA

Dot Haynes - NA

Peter Clark - Yes

Karin Genat - NA

Emily Tang - Yes

Anna Chen - NA

Meg Downie - Yes

Ben Frawley - Yes

Raymond Lai - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Andrew Conlon - Yes

Christine Cooke -Yes

Mike Zafiropoulos - Yes

Moti Visa - Yes

Graham Andy Margetts - Yes

Carli Lange - Yes

Scott Lynn - Yes

Maverick Knight - Yes

Michelle Kleinert - Yes

Dot Haynes - No

Peter Clark - Yes

Karin Genat - Yes

Emily Tang - Yes

Anna Chen - Yes

Meg Downie - Yes

Ben Frawley - Yes

Raymond Lai - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Christine Cooke - I would be interested in working on opportunities for events to be arranged. It would be wonderful to plan for a concert hall.

Mike Zafiropoulos - I have founded and served as board chair of Multicultural Arts Victoria and chaired for several years Creative Victoria's multicultural policy advisory committee

Moti Visa - Local Musicians also have to elevate their standards by practicing more and more to be up to high level.

Carli Lange - Music Victoria – Candidate Carli LANGE I am a resident of Warrandyte, who is passionate and committed to representing all Mullum Mullum residents. My priorities are: •Environment and community safety •Quality services including mentor programs between local schools and local businesses such as student music entertainment for local communities. •Responsible development and infrastructure •Good relationships = good communities •Committed involvement = effective decision making •Strong leadership = decisive actions Let’s focus on fundamental values of embracing change by putting the environment and ratepayers FIRST! As a mother of three children, primary/secondary teacher and daughter of retired parents, I understand all the needs, pressures and pleasures that come with life across three generations and I’ve been actively involved in our community as Kindergarten Enrolment Officer and advocate for community campaigns on local drainage and infrastructure. My aim as an independent councilor is to: •Listen to and represent our community. •Work towards achieving the best results for our community. •Be accountable. Innovative decisions to secure our future! Make your vote count! Protect the place we call home! A Leader who lives locally and reflects the values of our community! Vote 1 Carli Lange www.about.me/carlilange https://www.facebook.com@VOTE.1.Carli/ Authorised by Carli Lange

Scott Lynn - Creating small scale amphitheatres over the medium-long term could provide a greater tourism opportunity within Manningham.

Michelle Kleinert - Through the YMCA I believe there is scope.

Dot Haynes -I would need to look at and consider the full implication before committing to funding, as I believe we are a community that can do the work and handing out money does not often get results. What i do is results based and gets community ownership and people that look for a better outcome than getting money. Looking at a redistribution of some of the grants and altering the funding distribution from some other outdated programs.

Peter Clark - Thank you for inviting my comment and be assured if elected I would be happy for further discussion to promote the advancement and support of music within Council.

Karin Genat - Not Sure about some of the yes no answers, as need to do more reading

Emily Tang - I have classical music training since young. I sing and play musical instruments. I am the 1st soprano at the community choir and sing carol by candlelight at Christmas Eve at Myer Music Bowl. Our choir to hire the church for rehearsal and perform at five to six concerts per year. Artist are very hard to earn their living due to no fix salary and not much income per annum. Emily Tang, JP, MBA (Reg. tax agent)

Anna Chen - I hope music can be appreciated and enjoyed by all ages groups in the community.

Ben Frawley - This was a great survey and has highlighted issues that I hadn't previously considered. I'm all for creativity, music, theater and film. Given the budget I would definitely support new ventures in these areas.

Mansfield Shire Council

Bonnie Doon Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr SLADDIN, Paul

Did not respond

Jamieson Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr WESTENDORP, Harry

No email address provided

Mansfield Ward (2 vacancies, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr VOLKERING, Paul

See below response

Mr OLVER, Peter

No email address provided

Tolmie Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mrs ATTLEY, Margaret Colville

Did not respond

Total candidates for Mansfield Shire Council 2016: 5

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Paul Volkering - Most types

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Paul Volkering - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Paul Volkering - Not sure, in our Shire, most suitable venues offer live music and there's a generally positive appreciation and support for developing musicians and those already establish

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Paul Volkering - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Paul Volkering - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Paul Volkering - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Paul Volkering - I'm not really sure.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Paul Volkering - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Paul Volkering - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Paul Volkering - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Paul Volkering - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Paul Volkering - Having just been elected, i think its important to get up to speed on exactly where we need support.

Maribyrnong City Council

River Ward (2 vacancies, 8 candidates)

Candidates

HUYNH, Gina

No email address provided

Ms CARTER, Sarah

Did not respond

BETTS, Ken

See below response

Mr MACH, Tony

No email address provided

Ms WEBSTER, Georgia

See below response

CUMMING, John

Did not respond

LE, Thuy Kim

Did not respond

LA, Machi

Did not respond

Stony Creek Ward (2 vacancies, 7 candidates)

Candidates

Mr FARAH, Hamsa

Did not respond

Ms DARLING, Megan

Did not respond

LAM, Cuc

Did not respond

Mr CASH, Danny

Did not respond

Dr CUMMING, Catherine

Did not respond

Ms HUYNH, Elisa

See below response

Mr PHAM, Matthew

Did not respond

Yarraville Ward (3 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Miss THOMAS, Bernadette

See below responses

Mr GOODFELLOW, Jonathon

See below responses

Ms NGUYEN, Monica

No email address provided

Mr NGUYEN, Minh

Did not respond

Mr CRAWFORD, Simon

See below responses

Ms McGREGOR, Mia

Did not respond

Mr ZAKHAROV, Martin

No email address provided

Mrs MARGINSON, Melba

Did not respond

Mr CLARKE, Michael C.

No email address provided

Ms SCHWARCZ, Lana

See below response

Total candidates for Maribyrnong City Council 2016: 25

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Simon Crawford - All - a good mix

Georgia Webster - I like a wide range of music styles and it's a big part of my life. As a snapshot, in the past few weeks I've been listening to Anohni, Solange, Chance the Rapper, Fleetwood Mac, and Ella Thompson. My choices of radio and podcasts to get a dose of good tunes and music culture are 3RRR, PBS, SYN and Double J.

Bernadette Thomas - I'm a bit of an 80's tragic having grown up in that decade. I enjoy hearing new music, some experimental stuff, new composers (contemporary 'classical') as well as a bit of pop/indie/rock.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Simon Crawford - NA

Georgia Webster - NA

Elisa Huynh - NA

Ken Betts - NA

Lana Schwarcz - NA

Bernadette Thomas - NA

Jonathon Goodfellow - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Simon Crawford - I’m hearing that the following are the main issues for local musicians: •Difficulty earning an income from music, and having to balance music with other jobs •Building and sustaining local audiences •Making sure that the economic contribution of arts and music to our local economy is recognised, and artists' work is valued accordingly •For women musicians especially, balancing music with other responsibilities and caring roles •Affordability of housing close to the CBD and inner city music hubs. Relatively cheaper rents here in the west (compared with Brunswick, Northcote, Fitzroy etc) have brought a number of creatives over this way to base themselves in Maribyrnong, but housing is becoming more expensive and so maintaining a local music culture is difficult when musicians and artists are priced out. At a local level, planning with housing affordability in mind is an important factor in supporting a creative community.

Georgia Webster - I’m hearing that the following are the main issues for local musicians: Difficulty earning an income from music, and having to balance music with other jobs Making sure that the economic contribution of arts and music to our local economy is recognised, and artists' work is valued accordingly Building and sustaining local audiences For women musicians especially, balancing music with other responsibilities and caring roles Affordability of housing close to the CBD and inner city music hubs. Relatively cheaper rents here in the west (compared with Brunswick, Northcote, Fitzroy etc) have brought a number of creatives over this way to base themselves in Maribyrnong, but housing is becoming more expensive and so maintaining a local music culture is difficult when musicians and artists are priced out. At a local level, planning with housing affordability in mind is an important factor in supporting a creative community.

Elisa Huynh - Opportunity and money for venue

Ken Betts - Lack of support.

Lana Schwarcz - I am unsure as I am not a musician, though I am a theatre maker and comedian, so I imagine there may be some crossover there. Maribyrnong is quite a vibrant and vocal participant in the arts with a resident large arts community, and I imagine that the recent loss of Big West Festival would be a major loss for musicians as well as other artists. I would be extremely interested in hearing from local musicians about their concerns if there are any.

Bernadette Thomas - Musicians, like most artists, have difficulty earning an income from music, and having to balance music with other jobs - Building and sustaining local audiences - Making sure that the economic contribution of arts and music to our local economy is recognised, and artists' work is valued accordingly - For women musicians especially, balancing music with other responsibilities and caring roles - Affordability of housing close to the CBD and inner city music hubs. Relatively cheaper rents (and house prices in the past) in the inner west (compared with north of the City) have seen many artists of all types make the inner west their home for many years. B with housing becoming more expensive, maintaining a local music culture is difficult when musicians and artists are priced out. At a local level, planning with housing affordability in mind is an important factor in supporting a creative community.

Jonathon Goodfellow - Lack of incentives to remain locally-based. Lack of free/low cost community-based music education programs for children, young people and adults with the potential to participate in music and become musicians or pursue associated professions. Lack of access to appropriate business development opportunities, business skills development (including marketing) programs and offices or other business management resources. Lack of access to live music venues, free or low cost rehearsal and recording space, and touring resources. Lack of access to community development opportunities for culturally specific musical traditions including Indigenous traditions as well as cross-cultural social inclusion programs to bring such traditions together in performances, collaboration on new projects/works and to encourage the development of new musical forms.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Simon Crawford - We have some excellent venues in Maribyrnong, including the Dancing Dog, The Reverence, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Kindred Studios, and smaller bars like Littlefoot which regularly feature local DJs. Some of the issues venues face locally, now or in future, would be: •Noise issues with confusion or conflict between venues and neighbours, especially given higher density dwellings being built in Footscray’s centre, for example. ‘Agent of change’ will be something Council will need to take into account. •Building audiences, therefore local marketing and promotion supported by Council is an important discussion to have with venues and promoters. Support for venues to host all-ages shows could also be a strategy to engage young audiences early and foster a love of live music in local young people. •Ensuring good public transport and safe, well-lit bike path access in the proximity of music venues, especially later at night, to allow punters to get home easily and safely without having to spend lots on taxis or Uber rides.

Georgia Webster - We have some excellent venues in Maribyrnong, including the Dancing Dog, The Reverence, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Kindred Studios, and smaller bars like Littlefoot which regularly feature local DJs. Some of the issues venues face locally, now or in future, would be: Noise issues with confusion or conflict between venues and neighbours, especially given higher density dwellings being built in Footscray’s centre, for example. Building audiences, therefore local marketing and promotion supported by Council is an important discussion to have with venues and promoters. Support for venues to host all-ages shows could also be a strategy to engage young audiences early and foster a love of live music in local young people. Ensuring good public transport and safe, well-lit bike path access in the proximity of music venues, especially later at night, to allow punters to get home easily and safely without having to spend lots on taxis or rideshare services.

Elisa Huynh - Money

Ken Betts - Proper recognition & support mostly festivals

Lana Schwarcz - Gentrification of the area and a changing demographic, thus a potential for venues to close due to noise complaints, though as far as I can gather this has not happened thus far. I am a big supporter of live music and loathe the closure of Melbourne institutions such as the Punters Club, so I would hate for the same to happen here.

Bernadette Thomas - We have some excellent venues in Maribyrnong, including the Dancing Dog, The Reverence, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Kindred Studios, and smaller bars like Littlefoot which regularly feature local DJs. Some of the issues venues face locally, now or in future, would be: - Noise issues with confusion or conflict between venues and neighbours, especially given higher density dwellings being built in Footscray's centre, for example. - 'Agent of change' will be something Council will need to take into account. - Building audiences, therefore local marketing and promotion supported by Council is an important discussion to have with venues and promoters. - Support for venues to host all-ages shows could also be a strategy to engage young audiences early and foster a love of live music in local young people. - Ensuring good public transport and safe, well-lit bike path access in the proximity of music venues, especially later at night, to allow audiences to get home easily and safely without having to spend lots on taxis or Uber rides.

Jonathon Goodfellow - Too few advocates and not enough resources being put into positive change amongst stakeholders to influence and build community support. Financial constraints and a lack of broader community support acknowledging the importance of the local music industry mean only passionate music promoters and musicians themselves tend to invest in live venues. The need for a broad local music industry development strategy collaboratively created by and amongst stakeholders and including Council.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Simon Crawford - Yes

Georgia Webster - Yes

Elisa Huynh - Yes

Ken Betts - No

Lana Schwarcz - Yes

Bernadette Thomas - Yes

Jonathon Goodfellow - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Simon Crawford - Yes

Georgia Webster - Yes

Elisa Huynh - Yes

Ken Betts - Yes

Lana Schwarcz - Yes

Bernadette Thomas - Yes

Jonathon Goodfellow - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Simon Crawford - Yes

Georgia Webster - Yes

Elisa Huynh - Yes

Ken Betts - Yes

Lana Schwarcz - Yes

Bernadette Thomas - Yes

Jonathon Goodfellow - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Simon Crawford - I’m aware of a number of initiatives currently being undertaken, including: •West Set - a Council-supported series of music events in local venues in Aug-Sep 2016 •Provision of spaces, e.g. the Creative Containers for Hire •Support for events such as Jazz Out West and Wominjeka Festival (which includes music performance elements) •Provision of busking permits Our area is also home to community choirs and bands, some of which use Council spaces for rehearsal and gatherings.

Georgia Webster - I’m aware of a number of initiatives currently being undertaken, including: West Set - a Council-supported series of music events in local venues in Aug-Sep 2016 Provision of spaces, e.g. the Creative Containers for Hire Support for events such as Jazz Out West and Wominjeka Festival (which includes music performance elements) Provision of busking permits

Elisa Huynh - Festivals

Ken Betts - None to my knowledge, other than festivals

Lana Schwarcz - We support West Set though our festival city program, and support other local music programs and festivals.

Bernadette Thomas - There are a number of initiatives currently being undertaken, including: - West Set; a Council-supported series of music events in local venues in Aug-Sep 2016 - Provision of spaces, e.g. the Creative Containers for Hire Support for events such as Jazz - Out West and Wominjeka Festival (which includes music performance elements) - Provision of busking permits - Our area is also home to community choirs, orchestras and bands, some of which use - Council spaces for rehearsal and gatherings.

Jonathon Goodfellow - Not enough however there has been a continuing increase in Council engaging with musicians and other artists over the last term. The Festival West program has provided more opportunities for music and these are increasing and set to continue to increase. Regular culturally specific music programs / festivals are held more or less outside the Festival network which should be remedied as should the lack of an annual 'World Music' festival which would bring together the many culturally specific music communities in the municipality. I would like to see Council promote an annual music calendar of events and assist in the coordination and free/low cost access to Council facilities and public open spaces.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Simon Crawford - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups, to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Maribyrnong. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10.

Georgia Webster - I am really open to considering all of the above to foster a healthy music scene in Maribyrnong, as I recognise that there are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria, local musicians and venues, as well as other interested groups, to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Maribyrnong. This would include a consideration of a music audit and music strategy as noted in questions 9 and 10.

Elisa Huynh - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Ken Betts - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Lana Schwarcz - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Bernadette Thomas - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups, to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Maribyrnong. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10.

Jonathon Goodfellow - Yes to all

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Simon Crawford - Need more information

Georgia Webster - Need more information

Elisa Huynh - No

Ken Betts - No

Lana Schwarcz - No

Bernadette Thomas - Need more information

Jonathon Goodfellow - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Simon Crawford - NA

Georgia Webster - NA

Elisa Huynh - Yes

Ken Betts - Yes

Lana Schwarcz - Yes

Bernadette Thomas - Yes/no

Jonathon Goodfellow - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Simon Crawford - Yes

Georgia Webster - Yes

Elisa Huynh - Yes

Ken Betts - Yes

Lana Schwarcz - Yes

Bernadette Thomas - Yes

Jonathon Goodfellow - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Simon Crawford - I am passionate about music, especially the health benefits it brings to individuals and the cultural impact it has on society. Personally I play the piano and love watching live performances whenever I get a chance.

Georgia Webster - Music is a big part of my life and if elected I'm keen to work with musicians and music venues to ensure Maribyrnong Council supports a thriving local music scene. I love attending local gigs and festivals like Meredith Music Fest, Golden Plains, Boogie, and Out on the Weekend here in the west. I used to host an Australian music show on community radio in my uni days, and I have worked and volunteered in community broadcasting over a number of years. Thanks for the opportunity to outline my commitment to music, and for the work Music Victoria does to support a thriving music community in our state.

Ken Betts - Yes, thank you for the opportunity to be part of your survey.

Jonathon Goodfellow - Regardless of whether I am elected to office or not, I look forward to continuing to work with artists (I am a mixed media and performing) and Music Victoria to help develop our local, regional and state music industry.

Maroondah City Council

Arrabri Ward (3 vacancies, 13 candidates)

Candidates

Mr TONISSON, Ray

No email address provided

Mr KRUSE, Michael

No email address provided

Ms GLEESON, Christina

Did not respond

Mrs SPEARS, Kylie

See below response

Mr JOWSEY, John

No email address provided

Mr O'BRIEN, Glenn Edward

No email address provided

DIB, Tony

Did not respond

Mr McKENZIE, Richard

See below response

Ms NEWMAN, Jenny

See below response

MR ROSE, Neil

Did not respond

Mrs ADOS, Freda

See below response

Mrs DRINNAN, Amber-lea

See below response

Mr MACDONALD, Paul

No email address provided

Mullum Ward (3 vacancies, 11 candidates)

Candidates

MS DRAKE, Helen

See below response

Mr SYMON, Mike

Did not respond

Mr WILDE, Milton

See below response

Mrs MARKS, Samantha

Did not respond

Mr PHILLIPS, Michael

Did not respond

Mrs LOWE, Mary-Anne

See below response

Mr COSSARI, Joe

Did not respond

Mrs LAMONT, Nora

See below response

Ms BRUCE, Alison

See below response

Mr FEENEY, Peter

Did not respond

Mr BROWNLIE, Andrew Robert

Did not respond

Wyreena Ward (3 vacancies, 8 candidates)

Candidates

Mr MACDONALD, Michael

See below response

Mr STEANE, Rob

Did not respond

Mrs DAMANTE, Tasa

Did not respond

Mrs PATCH, Anne

See below response

Mrs GRAHAM, Marijke

See below response

Mr FITZGERALD, Liam

No email address provided

MR WILLMOTT, Les

Did not respond

Mr van den AKKER, Dean

Did not respond

Total candidates for Maroondah City Council 2016: 32

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Nora Lamont - pop rap and opera

Alison Bruce - Classical, Chamber, Jazz, Blues, Popular

Michael Macdonald - Classical, Jazz, Contemporary

Anne Patch - Jazz, R & B , Rock, Classics, Musical Comedy, Some Opera

Amber-lea Drinnan - I don't believe good music is limited to one genre. I have an appreciation for all music. Blues, rock, pop, grunge, country, metal, classical, I enjoy it all.

Marijke Graham - Too many to list!

Helen Drake - A wide variety of music from classical through to Hip Hop.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Nora Lamont - I have been a Councillor for eight years and we support music through the Karralyka Centre via stage musicals and our morning melodies sessions which run throughout the year. We are also a major supporter of the Stroke A Chord Choir, the Ringwood Aria Finals and the Melbourne Welsh Choir practice at one of our Council facilities. We have live music in REALM our library learning and cultural centre and town square and we have the nbattle of the bands at EV's Youth centre. We also support music through grants to individuals and to community groups

Alison Bruce - NA

Michael Macdonald - I served on the Council between 2008-2012 and was a strong advocate for the Ringwood Eisteddfod, Maroondah Carols, Maroondah Singers, National Boys Choir (of which I am a part), the Croydon Citizens Band, Battle of the Bands at EV's Youth Centre and various other community and high school music/ performance groups.

Anne Patch - NA

Amber-lea Drinnan - NA

Marijke Graham - NA

Helen Drake - NA

Freda Ados - NA

Milton Wilde - NA

Richard McKenzie - NA

Mary-Anne Lowe - Maroondah council provides ongoing support through community grants to music groups annually, performances at our festivals and events

Kylie Spears - NA

Jenny Newman - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Nora Lamont - Lack of space to practice and lack of live music places to play

Alison Bruce - Lack of suitable local venues for artists to rehearse and/or perform. Lack of opportunities for emerging artists to play locally in front of an audience.

Michael Macdonald - Permanent employment in the industry. Many talented musicians are forced to take on other jobs due to lack of secure work and certainty. Often, regardless of ones talent, it is difficult to break into the industry. Recording costs can be high and the paths for a career in music can be difficult to follow. Council should lead the way in breaking these barriers down to assist musicians with finding work in the local area.

Helen Drake - Lack of opportunities to earn a living from playing music.

Freda Ados - Possibly proximity to the CBD for wider reach of people. Maroondah is approximately 35 to 45 mins away from the city.

Milton Wilde - Access to good venues.

Richard McKenzie - Access to appropriate venues and locations to practice and play.

Mary-Anne Lowe - exposure and access to quality venues to perform

Kylie Spears - Lack of access to venues which leads to a reduced opportunity for performances, also a lack in the diversity of what is available

Jenny Newman - We have many and varied facilities across the municipality, it is really looking at diversity and what and where would suit the different types of musicians. . Forward thinking people on the Council would help this.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Nora Lamont - lack of live music venues is definitely an issue we need more cafe's and places where we can hear live music

Alison Bruce - Limited purpose built venues available for rehearsal and/or live music performance. Karralyka Theatre is a fabulous, but under-utilised, facility. The few traditional pub venues take the easy option with poker machines.

Michael Macdonald - The lack of them! We need more live music venues, for all types of music, in our municipality. Traditional venues, like the Karalyka Theatre, can be expensive to run and only suit a certain types of performance can occur here.

Helen Drake - Lack of dance floors in the smaller venues. Some venues are difficult to get to using public transport.

Freda Ados - Suitable Venues

Milton Wilde - Access to good venues.

Richard McKenzie - The diversity of venues. Not all venues suit all genres and there are more of some than others.

Mary-Anne Lowe - ability to locate good musicans easily

Kylie Spears - No response

Jenny Newman - Working with residents, the public and co-accessories to ensure the event is well placed and catered for and facilities are provided for everyone. It is also a lack of venues.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Nora Lamont - Yes

Alison Bruce - Yes

Michael Macdonald - Yes

Anne Patch - No

Amber-lea Drinnan - Yes

Marijke Graham - Yes

Helen Drake - Yes

Freda Ados - Yes

Milton Wilde - Yes

Richard McKenzie - Yes

Mary-Anne Lowe - No

Kylie Spears - Yes

Jenny Newman - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Nora Lamont - Yes

Alison Bruce - Yes

Michael Macdonald - Yes

Anne Patch - Yes

Amber-lea Drinnan - Yes

Marijke Graham - Yes

Helen Drake - Yes

Freda Ados - Yes

Milton Wilde - Yes

Richard McKenzie - Yes

Mary-Anne Lowe - Yes

Kylie Spears - Yes

Jenny Newman - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Nora Lamont - Yes

Alison Bruce - Yes

Michael Macdonald - Yes

Anne Patch - Yes

Amber-lea Drinnan - Yes

Marijke Graham - Yes

Helen Drake - Yes

Freda Ados - Yes

Milton Wilde - Yes

Richard McKenzie - Yes

Mary-Anne Lowe - Yes

Kylie Spears - Yes

Jenny Newman - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Nora Lamont - we support music through the Karralyka Centre via stage musicals and our morning melodies sessions which run throughout the year. We are also a major supporter of the Stroke A Chord Choir, the Ringwood Aria Finals and the Melbourne Welsh Choir practice at one of our Council facilities. We have live music in REALM our library learning and cultural centre and in the town square. We also have the battle of the bands at our youth centre

Alison Bruce - I am not currently councillor.

Michael Macdonald - I currently think our municipality needs to do more to support local music. When I was younger there used to be a significant contribution of live music at our local festival. This has all but gone and the festival has since lost it's atmosphere and 'life'. There are limited venues available in the municipality and any that currently exist can only support a limited number of genres.

Anne Patch - very little if any. Certainly not widely known.

Amber-lea Drinnan - music workshops held at events -arts and cultural grants program -EVs Youth Cente providing space for bands to play -Freeza Events -Karalyka, hosting performances of various artists for the public.

Marijke Graham - Arts and culture grants, rehearsal spaces in council owned venues, promotion of musical performances in council owned venues/spaces, a choir for people with disabilities was featured at the 2016 Mayoral Ball (a speech was given with a multimedia presentation) and 3 of the organisers of the choir performed for the guests.

Helen Drake - The Council has a diverse program which incorporates live music at council facilities and at major community events.

Freda Ados - I don't know

Milton Wilde - None that I am aware of.

Richard McKenzie - The Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2014–2018 is the closest thing, although it's primarily focused on visual arts.

Mary-Anne Lowe - part of our 2040 plan and youth plan

Kylie Spears - Unaware - but will now go and find out.

Jenny Newman - From what I have observed, the area supports small to medium musicians with occasional larger events, like fetes or festivals.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Nora Lamont - Musiicians parking/loading zones Grants and support for all ages gigs Partnering with music victoria ro run music industry development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Alison Bruce - Rehearsal spaces in council owned venues Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues Grants and support for all ages gigs Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Michael Macdonald - All of the above and more. Please feel free to contact me further if I am elected.

Anne Patch - Yes

Amber-lea Drinnan - All of the above

Marijke Graham - All of the above

Helen Drake - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Freda Ados - Honestly l would have to learn what is currently available and being offerred and go from there.

Milton Wilde - All of the above.

Richard McKenzie - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Mary-Anne Lowe - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Kylie Spears - I am happy to support worthwhile initiatives

Jenny Newman - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Nora Lamont - Yes

Alison Bruce - No

Michael Macdonald - No

Anne Patch - No

Amber-lea Drinnan - No

Marijke Graham - Yes

Helen Drake - No

Freda Ados - No response

Milton Wilde - No

Richard McKenzie - No

Mary-Anne Lowe - No

Kylie Spears - No response

Jenny Newman - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Nora Lamont - NA

Alison Bruce - Yes

Michael Macdonald - Yes

Anne Patch - Yes

Amber-lea Drinnan - Yes

Marijke Graham - NA

Helen Drake - Yes

Freda Ados - NA

Milton Wilde - Yes

Richard McKenzie - Yes

Mary-Anne Lowe - Yes

Kylie Spears - NA

Jenny Newman - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Nora Lamont - Yes

Alison Bruce - Yes

Michael Macdonald - Yes

Anne Patch - Yes

Amber-lea Drinnan - Yes

Marijke Graham - Yes

Helen Drake - Yes

Freda Ados - Yes

Milton Wilde - Yes

Richard McKenzie - Yes

Mary-Anne Lowe - Yes

Kylie Spears - Yes

Jenny Newman - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Alison Bruce - With the development of Eastland and the Central Ringwood precinct it would be wonderful to see the introduction of some busking or temporary music venues to coincide with markets/events. Local musicians could be featured at school fetes, aged care facilities, community groups, sporting clubs & community festivals.

Michael Macdonald - I am a musician! I play trumpet, guitar and sing. I used to play violin too!

Helen Drake - Thank-you for your survey.

Live music is a very important part of any community - there is nothing better than live music in the town square and people relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. We need to look at a council wide initiative that helps promote through an online directory and connects with venues looking for talent.

Mary-Anne Lowe - Live music is a very important part of any community - there is nothing better than live music in the town square and people relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. We need to look at a council wide initiative that helps promote through an online directory and connects with venues looking for talent.

Jenny Newman - Music is an integral part of bringing a community together and is fantastic for all abilities to enjoy. Music makes everyone happy and I would support more music events.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Bruce Poon - NA

Stephen Mayne - We fund Melbourne Music Week

Robert Doyle, Arron Wood, Kevin Louey, Nicholas Reece, Tessa Sullivan, Susan Riley, Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, Sue Stanley, Hope Wei - The City of Melbourne began Melbourne Music Week, now in its seventh year. MMW has proved a great success and attracted more than 40,000 attendees in 2015. It included 65 free events, 50 ticketed events and 75 per cent of the artists featured were Victorian. Team Doyle has advocated for 'as of right' usage when there is a conflict with new residents. We have supported late night license extensions for venues, particularly music venues in the City

Joseph Sarraf - NA

Michael O'Brien - NA

Sallyann Wilson - NA

Robin Matthews - NA

Wesa Chau - NA

Roger Smith - NA

Sergey Sizenko - NA

Richard Foster - Council's support has been varied, but I have enjoyed supporting the music community through helping to protect live music venues like The Palace Theatre. The City's Arts and Culture programs have also had my support, especially for the financial backing of opportunities for musicians.

Rohan Leppert, Cathy Oke, Ben Curnow, Jenny Pitts, Apsara Sabaratnam, Olivia Ball, Roxane Ingleton - The Greens have been champions of live music and of venues, musicians and workers across the live music industry over the last eight years of Council. Specifically, Greens Councillors Cathy Oke (2008-16) and Rohan Leppert (2012-16) have:Initiated Melbourne Music Week (led by Cr Oke in 2010) and expanded and improved its programming each year since. The MMW program continually consists of >75% Victorian musicians; we continue to partner with live music venues to draw new audiences in to venues and the city; and our funding model drives profit for venues and industry companies; Initiated Melbourne’s first Music Strategy (led by Cr Oke in 2010); Formed a Music Strategy Advisory Committee (led by Cr Leppert in 2013); Comprehensively reviewed and updated Melbourne’s Music Strategy with the new Advisory Committee and broader industry (led by Cr Leppert in 2013); Doubled the staff and resources for Arts House to significantly increase our support to emerging, experimental and contemporary performing artists, including strong music programming (led by Cr Leppert in 2014); Secured Council support for a planning scheme amendment to apply a site-specific heritage overlay to the Palace Theatre (though the new owner demolished the interior heritage during the week prior to the adoption of the ‘statement of significance’ by Council, which jeopardised the amendment). (Cr Leppert in 2014); Carried the petition and secured Council support for the creation of Amphlett Lane (Cr Leppert in 2014); Expanded and promoted the Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival, including strong music programming (led by Cr Leppert in 2015); Proposed and held Melbourne’s first Music Symposium, to allow collaboration in the Melbourne music industry and to learn from experts around the world on what it means to be a Music City (led by Cr Leppert in 2015); Increased Arts Grants funding pools in 2015 and 2016 due to overwhelming competition for grants, including increase in music grants (led by Cr Leppert); and more…

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Bruce Poon - I imagine the biggest issue is maintaining a revenue stream in the face of changing technologies.

Joseph Sarraf - Lack of sufficient live music venues to be able to earn a living as well as lack of awareness of these musicians in the community.

Michael O'Brien - Venues

Sallyann Wilson - Lack of support, lack of opportunities and lack of live music venues.

Robin Matthews - Musicians should be highly respected members of the City arts scene, whether they are concert performers, night club/pub muso's or buskers. Music plays a significant part of any city and this artistic contribution should be valued and supported.

Wesa Chau - Musicians should be highly respected members of the City arts scene, whether they are concert performers, night club/pub muso's or buskers. Music plays a significant part of any city and this artistic contribution should be valued and supported.

Roger Smith - Musicians should be highly respected members of the City arts scene, whether they are concert performers, night club/pub muso's or buskers. Music plays a significant part of any city and this artistic contribution should be valued and supported.

Sergey Sizenko - No response

Richard Foster - Opportunity, fair wages and the limited number of live music venues. Promotion of Melbourne as a 'live music city' is something the Council must really get behind. We also need to work on identifying new opportunities for more live music performances, including encouraging the development of new venues.

Rohan Leppert, Cathy Oke, Ben Curnow, Jenny Pitts, Apsara Sabaratnam, Olivia Ball, Roxane Ingleton - Musicians are finding it increasingly expensive to live and practice in the central city, pushing musicians away from the city centre and away from established inner city creative enclaves. This has an effect on musicians, but also on the creativity of the inner city generally. The ban on amplified busking took performers by surprise, and has not been justified by any data or evidence provided by the Council administration. The ban should be lifted and a genuine analysis of complaints, buskers’ income trends and options needs to be undertaken instead.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Bruce Poon - Similarly, venues will face competition from other entertainments and the need to attract an audience. In some areas, new residents create conflict on noise levels and planning.

Stephen Mayne - The pokies, which should be banned

Robert Doyle, Arron Wood, Kevin Louey, Nicholas Reece, Tessa Sullivan, Susan Riley, Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, Sue Stanley, Hope Wei - Live music venues are critical to Melbourne's Night Time Economy and they are certainly doing well but managing residential amenity with the rights of existing venues to have late night music will continue to be an issue.

Joseph Sarraf - Availability of performing space. Wouldn't it be wonderful if some of the buildings that have a sizable lobby in the CBD area teamed up with building management and licensed cafe owners to open up pop-up gig space... not perfect but creative thinking...

Michael O'Brien - neighbours & noise

Sallyann Wilson - Over-regulation.

Robin Matthews - The compatibility of live music venues and residences in the CBD area, amplification of buskers and suitable spaces for practice.

Wesa Chau - The compatibility of live music venues and residences in the CBD area, amplification of buskers and suitable spaces for practice.

Roger Smith - The compatibility of live music venues and residences in the CBD area, amplification of buskers and suitable spaces for practice.

Sergey Sizenko - I would assume, the costs of venue hire and quality of a venues.

Richard Foster - We've seen a number of threats to iconic live music venues, but increased large scale property development is among the most significant of them. An appetite among a majority of Councillors this term to preference property developers over the need for live music venues has hurt the industry enormously.

Rohan Leppert, Cathy Oke, Ben Curnow, Jenny Pitts, Apsara Sabaratnam, Olivia Ball, Roxane Ingleton - The middle of Melbourne is experiencing a development and population boom. This naturally creates friction between new residents and existing live music venues, but it also makes it difficult for new live music venues to open. The adoption of the agent of change principle has ameliorated the worst of the former, but Council needs to work harder to ensure that the planning controls facilitate the opening of new live music venues as well. Live music venues also face complicated and, at times, onerous regulatory regimes, which were not always designed with live music venues in mind. Government enforcement officers and public policy makers need to ensure that live music venues are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by overlapping liquor, sound, planning and building regimes.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Michael O'Brien - There is an existing strategy, Music Week & CoM funds other music events incl indigenous music -we also have own music venues, Town hall organ & strong busking support

Sallyann Wilson - None of which I am currently aware.

Robin Matthews - The City of Melbourne already has a Music Strategy supported by a Music Advisory Committee and a regulatory framework. The Strengthening Melbourne team would support the ongoing and development of the music industry in the municipality, not only in the CBD but also neighbouring suburbs.

Wesa Chau - The City of Melbourne already has a Music Strategy supported by a Music Advisory Committee and a regulatory framework. The Strengthening Melbourne team would support the ongoing and development of the music industry in the municipality, not only in the CBD but also neighbouring suburbs.

Roger Smith - The City of Melbourne already has a Music Strategy supported by a Music Advisory Committee and a regulatory framework. The Strengthening Melbourne team would support the ongoing and development of the music industry in the municipality, not only in the CBD but also neighbouring suburbs.

Sergey Sizenko - Musicians are permitted to perform on the streets

Richard Foster - A number of grants to support the industry are available, as well as a series of actions to support the industry in the Council's annual plan.

Robin Matthews - We support all of the above initiatives to promote and develop the music industry in Melbourne especially to access free public events. This makes for a vibrant and entertaining place that can be enjoyed by more people.

Wesa Chau - We support all of the above initiatives to promote and develop the music industry in Melbourne especially to access free public events. This makes for a vibrant and entertaining place that can be enjoyed by more people.

Roger Smith - We support all of the above initiatives to promote and develop the music industry in Melbourne especially to access free public events. This makes for a vibrant and entertaining place that can be enjoyed by more people.

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Bruce Poon - I would like to see all members of the community be better connected with what is happening in Melbourne, putting together audiences and musicians without undue need for commercial advertising.

Stephen Mayne - Well done Music Victoria in putting the pressure on councillors to do better with music.

Robert Doyle, Arron Wood, Kevin Louey, Nicholas Reece, Tessa Sullivan, Susan Riley, Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, Sue Stanley, Hope Wei - City of Melbourne has partnered with the music industry over the past eight years, during Robert Doyle's tenure as Lord Mayor, in a way which means the Night Time Economy in Melbourne is the envy of the rest of Australia. Many of the elements which you have asked us about in this survey and which we have answered 'yes' to are already being done, often for the first time in Victoria, here in the City of Melbourne.

Michael O'Brien - We support young musicians and growing audiences- no empty seats in any house

Sallyann Wilson - I believe musicians, and music of all sorts, can only add to the vibrancy of Melbourne and as such deserve our support.

Robin Matthews - The Strengthening Melbourne Team wants to build better access to public recreation, cultural and art facilities, this includes live music events available for public enjoyment.

Wesa Chau - The Strengthening Melbourne Team wants to build better access to public recreation, cultural and art facilities, this includes live music events available for public enjoyment.

Roger Smith - The Strengthening Melbourne Team wants to build better access to public recreation, cultural and art facilities, this includes live music events available for public enjoyment.

Rohan Leppert, Cathy Oke, Ben Curnow, Jenny Pitts, Apsara Sabaratnam, Olivia Ball, Roxane Ingleton - The Greens have the most comprehensive policy platform of any team in the Melbourne City Council elections. Our arts policy can be found at melbournecitygreens.com/arts

Melton City Council

Cambridge Ward (3 vacancies, 14 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs MAJDLIK, Kathy

Did not respond

Mr MOHAMMAD, Abdullah

Did not respond

Mr PERERA, Mano

Did not respond

Mr ABBOUSHI, Steven

Did not respond

Mrs CUGLIARI, Renata

Did not respond

Mr GEBRE-SELASSIE, Haileluel

See below response

Miss LUC, Hannah

No email address provided

Mr HAQUE, Golam

Did not respond

Mr SAKAL, Pedro

Did not respond

Mrs SINGLA, Deepika

No email address provided

Mr VERMA, Gary

Did not respond

Mrs GULEN, Petek

Did not respond

Mr ATANASOVSKI, David

Did not respond

Mr KESIC, Goran

Did not respond

Coburn Ward (4 vacancies, 16 candidates)

Candidates

Ms DE SANTIS, Melissa

Did not respond

Mrs SEBIRE, Yvonne Desiree

Did not respond

Mr HARDY, Ken

Did not respond

Mr BENNETT, Victor

Did not respond

Mr JUSTICE, Lance

Did not respond

Ms MAUDE, Carol Elizabeth

Did not respond

Ms RAMSEY, Sophie

Did not respond

Mr RYAN-ROACH, Xenon

No email address provided

Mr WADDELL, Stephen

Did not respond

Mr HOLIAN, Michael

See below response

Mr ROWAN, Peter Andrew

Did not respond

Mrs WARREN, Deborah

See below response

Mrs THOMAS, Monika

See below response

Mr OATES, Garrick

See below response

Mr TURNER, Bob

Did not respond

Mr BENTLEY, Myles

Did not respond

Watts Ward (2 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Ms MENDES, Michelle

Did not respond

Mr KITANOVSKI, Mendo

No email address provided

Mr RAKIC, Milic

No email address provided

Mr ROMEO, Tony

Did not respond

Mrs CAMILLERI, Ujjala

Did not respond

Mr SINGH, Dilpreet

Did not respond

Miss RAMSEY, Eleanor

Did not respond

Miss SCARPACI, Angela

Did not respond

Mrs SOLANKI, Meena

Did not respond

Mrs CARLI, Lara

Did not respond

Total candidates for Melton City Council 2016: 40

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Songs

Michael Holian - Classical, 60's 70's and 80's rock and roll

Deborah Warren - Everything from Baroque to Indie Folk Rock

Monika Thomas - Various

Gerrick Oates - Pop, Jazz, Classical

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - NA

Michael Holian - NA

Deborah Warren - NA

Monika Thomas - NA

Gerrick Oates - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Lack of support and access for venues

Michael Holian - there are no outlets for musicians to display their skills and interact with the community, and our only hall is very expensive to hire, and we really don't have any local festivals for music

Deborah Warren - Access to appropriate rehursal space

Monika Thomas - NA

Gerrick Oates - Opportunities to showcase their talents. There are probably not enough events for us to be able to see all the amazing talent that we have in Melton. We also need to encourage the youth to take up music.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Limitation and access for the community

Michael Holian - there really aren't any live music businesses apart from a couple of pubs

Deborah Warren - Lack of venues for diverse music to be played.

Monika Thomas - NA

Gerrick Oates - Some restaurants would need to be encouraged to to give up some table space to create live-music evenings. Growing up, our local had live music one evening every week and it was packed on those nights. The Eynesbury Homestead often has Live Music on Sunday afternoons which is a great opportunity for musicians to become known. The Christmas party out in Eynesbury also gives an opportunity to a Jazz band to perform for the evening and it adds incredible atmosphere to the event. The recent Winter Solstice gave a Gospel Choir the chance to entertain, alongside a performing group of drummers that interacted superbly with children.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Yes

Michael Holian - No

Deborah Warren - Yes

Monika Thomas - No

Gerrick Oates - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Yes

Michael Holian - Yes

Deborah Warren - Yes

Monika Thomas - Yes

Gerrick Oates - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Yes

Michael Holian - Yes

Deborah Warren - Yes

Monika Thomas - Yes

Gerrick Oates - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Limited knowledge in this area but happy to access more information

Michael Holian - Nil

Deborah Warren - Music as part of various programs - not a program as itself..

Monika Thomas - Not sure, currently studying.

Gerrick Oates - At the upcoming Djerriwarrh Festival there will be a Buskers Tree that will entertain residents and visitors the whole afternoon. Also, this weekend is the Regional Tastes at Eynesbury where live music will get a showcase. So there's definitely initiatives and opportunity.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - All the above

Michael Holian - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Deborah Warren -I'd like to see space appropriate libraries used for performance spaces, as a natural synergy they have with poetry and music.

Monika Thomas - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Gerrick Oates - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - No

Michael Holian - No

Deborah Warren - No

Monika Thomas - Yes

Gerrick Oates - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Yes

Michael Holian - Yes

Deborah Warren - Yes

Monika Thomas - NA

Gerrick Oates - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - Yes

Michael Holian - Yes

Deborah Warren - Yes

Monika Thomas - Yes

Gerrick Oates - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Haileluel Gebre-Selassie - If elected I will support the community to ensure they access the available resources

Gerrick Oates - For some of the questions, I have answered Yes/No, but I'd always want to evaluate all criteria and input before committing to any decision as things like 'an increase' are very broad.

Mildura Rural City Council

Mildura Rural City Council (9 vacancies, 28 candidates)

Candidates

Mr ECKEL, Mark

Did not respond

Mrs POOLE, Min

Did not respond

Mr ARNOLD, John

Did not respond

Ms BOGENHUBER, Deb

No email address provided

Mr SEDGMEN, Gavin

Did not respond

Mr MODICA, Jason

See below response

Ms WAUGH, Raylee

Did not respond

Mr CAPOGRECO, Domenico

Did not respond

Mr JONES, Michael

Did not respond

Mr CIRILLO, Anthony

Did not respond

Mr WOOD, Liam

Did not respond

Mrs JOSLYN, Jill

Did not respond

Mrs HARRIS, Judi

No email address provided

Mr THORBURN, Max

Did not respond

Mr CISZKOWSKI, Anthony

Did not respond

Mrs WATERS, Julie

See below response

Ms CLUTTERBUCK, Jo

See below response

Mr DENNER, Bernard J.

Did not respond

Ms PEART, Sharyon

Did not respond

Ms CUPPER, Ali

No email address provided

Mr MILNE, Glenn

Did not respond

Mr CORY, Mark

No email address provided

Mr DOUGLASS, Phil

Did not respond

Mr MacKENZIE, Walter

Did not respond

Mr CLEMENCE, Simon

No email address provided

Mr PRICE, James

No email address provided

Mr BROWN, Greg

Did not respond

Ms HEALY, Helen

Did not respond

Total candidates for Mildura Rural City Council 2016: 28

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Julie Waters - Modern

Jason Modica - Alternative Folk Jazz Classical Blues World Music

Jo Clutterbuck - All varities

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Julie Waters - NA

Jason Modica - NA

Jo Clutterbuck - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Julie Waters - Remoteness

Jason Modica - A lack of venues that are not pubs. A lack intimate venues for those starting their adventures into live music. Mildura does not have an appropriate facility for attracting national tours.

Jo Clutterbuck - Suitable performance opportunities due in part to a lack of venue space and costs involved in travel and equipment purchase and maintenance

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Julie Waters - Attracting bands to our region

Jason Modica - We really do not have a specific live music venue, the pub venues do as well as they can. Other venues are fitted out to suit events ie Mildura Arts Centre Nowingi Place. Other venues are member only clubs and do not pursue musical events for the general public. Some say a lack of patronage is linked to not having a music specific venue.

Jo Clutterbuck - Local government regulations can be restrictive to venues and such constraints are in a large part responsible for the economic difficulties experienced by establishments and a deterrent to holding live music events. Local Council need to work with venues to encourage and support live music events as part of the council inclusion and well-being strategy's

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Julie Waters - No

Jason Modica - No

Jo Clutterbuck - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Julie Waters - Yes

Jason Modica - Need more information

Jo Clutterbuck - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Julie Waters - Yes

Jason Modica - Yes

Jo Clutterbuck - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Julie Waters - Unaware of any initiatives at present

Jason Modica - I do not know of any but will look into it.

Jo Clutterbuck - Council currently supports Freeza (primarily youth based) and Battle of the Bands, hosted a One Night Stand event in the region and support other events through the festival and events funding program.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Julie Waters - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Jason Modica - I think they would all help to make music more accessible.

Jo Clutterbuck - All of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Julie Waters - No

Jason Modica - Need more information

Jo Clutterbuck - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Julie Waters - Yes

Jason Modica - NA

Jo Clutterbuck - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Julie Waters - Yes

Jason Modica - Yes

Jo Clutterbuck - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Jason Modica - Mildura has a well attended Country Music Festival. If the initiatives in this questionnaire were pursued by coucil and community many more events would take place.

Jo Clutterbuck - I would like to see further support of the live music industry by assisting musicians and event organisers to host music events cost effectively to increase the financial viability of the local music scene and participation by both locals and visitors

Mitchell Shire Council

Central Ward (3 vacancies, 7 candidates)

Candidates

MS GOBLE, Annie

See below response

MR HUMM, Bob

Did not respond

MR LEE, Ross

Did not respond

MR ATKINSON, David

See below response

MR CALLAGHAN, Desmond Anthony

Did not respond

Mr PERROTT, Mark

Did not respond

Ms LINTON, Lisa

Did not respond

North Ward (3 vacancies, 5 candidates)

Candidates

Ms SANDERSON, Rhonda

Did not respond

Ms TULLETT, Carol

Did not respond

Mrs STEVENS, Fiona

Did not respond

MR SALAKOWSKI, Val

Did not respond

Mr CHISHOLM, Bill

Did not respond

South Ward (3 vacancies, 5 candidates)

Candidates

MR LANGBORNE, Neal

Did not respond

Mr CORNISH, Bob

Did not respond

Mr ELDRIDGE, Rob

Did not respond

Mrs MARSTAELLER, Sue

Did not respond

Mr LOWE, David

Did not respond

Total candidates for Mitchell Shire Council 2016: 17

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Annie Goble - Most, not rap or doof doof

David Atkinson - All

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Annie Goble - NA

David Atkinson - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Annie Goble - Earning a living

David Atkinson - Noise, suitable venues and pay.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Annie Goble - Getting the patronage

David Atkinson - Noise and adjoining neighbours.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Annie Goble - Yes

David Atkinson - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Annie Goble - Need more information

David Atkinson - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Annie Goble - Need more information

David Atkinson - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Annie Goble - I don't believe it is

David Atkinson - FReeZA program for 12 - 25 years old giving hands on training.Providing an artists register including musicians and singers. Assisting BATS [Broadford amateur theatrical society]

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Annie Goble - All of above if appropriate. Music is a great joy in life

David Atkinson - All of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Annie Goble - Need more information

David Atkinson - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Annie Goble - NA

David Atkinson - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Annie Goble - Yes

David Atkinson - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Annie Goble - The survey is an excellent idea. Best wishes, Annie

David Atkinson - Live open air concerts already exist such as Commonground Festival and need to be supported.

Moira Shire Council

Moira Shire Council (9 vacancies, 17 candidates)

Candidates

Mr CONNOLLY, Patrick

See below response

Mr MUSTICA, Libro

Did not respond

Mrs BUCK, Wendy

No email address provided

Mr McPHEE, Don

Did not respond

Mrs MARTIN, Marie

Did not respond

Mr WILLIAMS, Alan

See below response

Mr REYNOLDS, Mark

Did not respond

Mr CHUCK, Robert

Did not respond

Mr BOURKE, Kevin J.

See below response

Mrs MONK, Alex

Did not respond

Mr COX, Ed

No email address provided

Mr BEITZEL, John

No email address provided

Mr MANSFIELD, Peter

Did not respond

Ms COOPER, Judy

Did not respond

Mr SCOTT, John Stuart

Did not respond

Mr LAWLESS, Peter

Did not respond

Mr CLEVELAND, Gary R.

See below response

Total candidates for Moira Shire Council 2016: 17

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Gary R. Cleveland - Folk and Rock Music

Alan Williams - ballads and classical

Patrick Connolly - Most

Kevin Bourke - Most

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Gary R. Cleveland - Moira Shire Council has supported music and the arts through a partnership with Moira Arts and Culture Incorporated - MAC Inc. - as well as through Youth music programs such as Battle of the Bands.

Alan Williams - folk groups

Patrick Connolly - NA

Kevin Bourke - Moira provides assistance to the Arts, both static and performing, and receives great acknowledgement and accolades for this investment

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Gary R. Cleveland - The biggest issues facing musicians in Moira Shire are opportunities for ongoing performance venues and the expenses involved while sources of revenue that they can access to be viable and sustainable are diminishing. In regional areas musicians have to travel some distance to venues and regularity of employment when available funds are drying up.

Alan Williams - number of live musical venues and quality of same

Patrick Connolly - Expenses

Kevin Bourke - The opportunity to perform to live audience

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Gary R. Cleveland - The biggest issues facing live music venues is the cost involved and being able to attract an audience to make the outlay viable and sustainable. The upkeep of facilities is another issue as well as facing wider competition. Many venues use DJ's as a cost saver and living near the state border has challenges as well.

Alan Williams - acoustics

Patrick Connolly - Drugs

Kevin Bourke - The availability and assistance

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Gary R. Cleveland - No

Alan Williams - Yes

Patrick Connolly - No

Kevin Bourke - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Gary R. Cleveland - Need more information

Alan Williams - Yes

Patrick Connolly - Need more information

Kevin Bourke - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Gary R. Cleveland - Need more information

Alan Williams - Yes

Patrick Connolly - Need more information

Kevin Bourke - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Gary R. Cleveland - Moira Shire has a partnership with the Moira Arts and Cultural Incorporated (MAC Inc.) group as well as an involvement with Youth through FREEZA activities and the Battle of the Bands program.

Alan Williams - participation in arts council activities

Patrick Connolly - I was secretary of the Peaches n Cream Festival at Thompsons Beach Cobram

Kevin Bourke - We support a number of local Arts Committees throughout the Shire

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Gary R. Cleveland - Grants and support for all ages gigs via programs submitting to MAC Inc. Other possible support could come for local groups after Council received various submissions or presentations asking for support.

Alan Williams - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Patrick Connolly - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Kevin Bourke - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Gary R. Cleveland - Yes

Alan Williams - No

Patrick Connolly - Yes

Kevin Bourke - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Gary R. Cleveland - NA

Alan Williams - Yes

Patrick Connolly - NA

Kevin Bourke - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Gary R. Cleveland - Yes

Alan Williams - Yes

Patrick Connolly - Yes

Kevin Bourke - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Gary R. Cleveland - Thank you for this opportunity to look at what Moira Shire Council offer for musicians in our local government area. I feel that currently the needs, within reason, are being catered for, but with the introduction of rate capping all Councils will need to look at the cost benefit and viability of services they currently provide.

Rebeca Paterson - I honestly could not choose. I used to be a D.J so I have a very eclectic knowledge of and taste in music. But I can never hear My Sharona or Mickey ever again.

Nicole Allison - I like most types of music, jazz, new age, electronic, hip hop, classical.

Lynnette Saloumi - World Music; Irish; Folk; 70's on

Shane McCluskey - A diverse range including classic 80's and 90's music, with an element of contemporary music.

Fairley Wijesinghe - All types

Jennifer Jaeger - Rock, classical, trad jazz, ballet, folk

Theo Zographos - Everything

Jackson Bradshaw - Multiple Genres

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - ALL

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Steve Yanko - NA

Anna Murchie - NA

Warwick Dunn - NA

Josh Fergus - NA

Jyoti Ghosh - NA

Rebeca Paterson - Monash Council supports the Oakleigh music festival, Quiksound productions and Battle of the Bands. Through our 2.6 mill community grants program we support countless local artists and community groups involved in music and the arts.

Nicole Allison - NA

Lynnette Saloumi - NA

Shane McCluskey - NA

Fairley Wijesinghe - NA

Jennifer Jaeger - NA

Theo Zographos - Monash Council has an active program of music oriented events that it supports, funds and organises.

Jackson Bradshaw - NA

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Steve Yanko - Not enough dedicated live music venues & not enough restaurants, cafes etc willing to consider to have live music at their premises.

Anna Murchie - Copyright law changes.

Warwick Dunn - There are not enough venues, or live music currently in the Monash municipality. My wife is a singer songwriter and the only venue that she has played at is the Caravan club locally. A majority of the time, most of the gigs she, and her colleagues perform, are on the North side of the city. I think having a diverse mix of music at multiple venues is the challenge, but one that needs to be explored and understood further.

Josh Fergus - A lack of venues and opportunities for local artists is first and foremost. Monash is not a municipality which has embraced live music, although opportunities could be increased alongside the growth of nightlife in Glen Waverley and Oakleigh in particular.

Jyoti Ghosh - Lack of support from government

Rebeca Paterson - I would say lack of venues, and a municipality that isn't known for it's musicality. But we know have places such as Eaton Mall and Kingsway that have patronage into the wee hours, so these would be great spaces to see more artists, as well promoting music in our beautiful parks and reserves.

Nicole Allison - The availability of venues, Although there are some excellent venues in the City of Monash, they may not suit all artists, the choice of different types of venues will be great.

Shane McCluskey - I think that is best answered by the Musicians themselves, based on their personal and collective experiences. That is a matter for consultation and discussion with the industry and relevant stakeholders such as municipalities, operator bodies and associations, as well as local and state Authorities. Anecdotally though, I imagine the lack of appropriate and accommodating venues would be one of the most common issues.

Fairley Wijesinghe - Lack of recognition and funding

Jennifer Jaeger - Good venues for gigs, places that are free or cheap to practice. More opportunity for new acts particularly women.

Theo Zographos - Having a network to be a part of and being able to showcase their art.

Jackson Bradshaw - Lack of funding and programs, as well as the ability to perform at venues and/or events.

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Lack of Live Music Venues

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Steve Yanko - Getting enough people to know that there actually are live music venues in my municipality.

Anna Murchie - Noise from vehicles and patrons leaving premises.

Warwick Dunn - There is not enough, and perhaps there is not a demand for it which is why it seems to be limited. I would like to see more local acts given the chance to perform. At the moment, the North side of the city is seen as the only place to go for live music. The biggest challenge, getting more venues on board to support a variety of genres, which in turn will generate more people through the doors.It would be great to see this council have more live music available in general.

Josh Fergus - Council has not been particularly supportive to live music in the past, although I expect this will be tested as activity centres expand.

Jyoti Ghosh - Funding & lack of them and perhaps public support

Rebeca Paterson - I would again say that the municipality is not known for it's music venues (aside from the Caravan Club) and therefore it is not a music "destination"

Nicole Allison -As contemporary music evolves, we also need to look at the current spaces available for performers and ensure that we update these spaces to move with the times.

Lynnette Saloumi -Our demographics; changes to the population mix; promotion;access

Theo Zographos -There are a number such as planning and alcohol requirements, noise limits and outdoor dining reforms.

Jackson Bradshaw -The lack of venues around the area, as well as advertisement for them.

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Lack of Venues, to share your music with the greater community. I LOVE live music, the passion and thought that is involved in a Song or Music Composition.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Steve Yanko - No

Anna Murchie - Yes

Warwick Dunn - No

Josh Fergus - Yes

Jyoti Ghosh - No

Rebeca Paterson - Yes

Nicole Allison - No

Lynnette Saloumi - Yes

Shane McCluskey - Yes

Fairley Wijesinghe - No

Jennifer Jaeger - No

Theo Zographos - Yes

Jackson Bradshaw - Yes

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Steve Yanko - Yes

Anna Murchie - Yes

Warwick Dunn - Yes

Josh Fergus - Yes

Jyoti Ghosh - Need more information

Rebeca Paterson - Yes

Nicole Allison -Yes

Lynnette Saloumi - Yes

Shane McCluskey - Yes

Fairley Wijesinghe - Yes

Jennifer Jaeger - Yes

Theo Zographos - Yes

Jackson Bradshaw - Yes

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Steve Yanko - Yes

Anna Murchie - Yes

Warwick Dunn - Yes

Josh Fergus - Yes

Jyoti Ghosh - Need more information

Rebeca Paterson - Yes

Nicole Allison - Yes

Lynnette Saloumi - Yes

Shane McCluskey - Yes

Fairley Wijesinghe - Yes

Jennifer Jaeger - Yes

Theo Zographos - Yes

Jackson Bradshaw - Yes

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Steve Yanko - To their credit Monash Council supports the Waverely Eisteddfod which gives schools and individuals an opportunity to showcase their musical talents. It organises a Carols by Candlelight event which is hugely popular. It also supports the Glendi Festival in Oakleigh and allows live music at venues such as the Monash Gallery of Art.

Anna Murchie - Will investigate

Warwick Dunn - Not sure, but as an outsider I would say not a lot. I am happy to be proven wrong, but I think it is something that certainly needs to be looked at, and I would welcome the opportunity to do so should I be elected to council.

Jyoti Ghosh - Not known. Will listen to the music community to phrase appropriate response

Rebeca Paterson - As above

Nicole Allison -The City of Monash supports music by featuring music in festivals and community events. Monash is a multicultural city and often features musical artists showcasing multicultural music. There is also a Local Emerging Artist Grant which helps to support artist trying to get in to the industry.

Shane McCluskey -The City of Monash has more of an open space/outdoor approach to music development and support. Hopefully, and where it can be accommodated, Council infrastructure not normally set aside for the use of the music industry, can perhaps be utilised in the promotion of music related use generally.

Fairley Wijesinghe -Unsure

Jennifer Jaeger - Not sure seems to be more going on in Stonnington. We do have Caravan Music Club.

Theo Zographos -A varied and wide program of events and activities.

Jackson Bradshaw - Not entirely sure. If there are any, I have not heard of them. That is why I am running.

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Unsure at this stage, but would like to see more support for live music venues and musicians.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Steve Yanko - All of the above.

Anna Murchie - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Warwick Dunn - All of the above. As outlined, there needs to be more live music in the municipality, or at least a greater awareness of what live music is being performed. As I mentioned earlier, the bulk of the live music I go to see is on the North side of the city, which highlights to me the need to see more done in promoting live music and the venues across the council.

Josh Fergus - I would support loading zones outside live music venues, grants and support for all ages gigs, and encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises. I would also welcome the opportunity to look into free rehearsal spaces and professional development workshops.

Jyoti Ghosh - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Rebeca Paterson - I would actually support all those initiatives. Free rehearsal spaces would need to be administered through a grant application process to ensure equitable access.

Nicole Allison -Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Lynnette Saloumi - I would be happy with all the above

Shane McCluskey - All of these initiatives would be great to be able to accommodate, but I don't think it practical or responsible, to give a 'blanket' approval, prior to each initiative being considered within the broad parameters of a municipal approach or policy on live music.

Fairley Wijesinghe -All of the above- music is an important aspect of life and as a lover and believer of music as a therapy it will be a priority

Jennifer Jaeger - All except parking as this may remove ops for disabled parks, would have to look into that further.

Theo Zographos - Yes I would support all of these provided there were specific proposals for Monash.

Jackson Bradshaw -Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - All of the above absolutely!! Live music is a great art-form. Like many art-forms, it needs support from Government and the Community.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Steve Yanko - Need more information

Anna Murchie - No

Warwick Dunn - Need more information

Josh Fergus - Need more information

Jyoti Ghosh - Need more information

Rebeca Paterson - Yes

Nicole Allison -No response

Lynnette Saloumi - No

Shane McCluskey - No response

Fairley Wijesinghe - No

Jennifer Jaeger - No

Theo Zographos -No

Jackson Bradshaw - Yes

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Steve Yanko - NA

Anna Murchie - Yes

Warwick Dunn - NA

Josh Fergus - Yes

Jyoti Ghosh - NA

Rebeca Paterson - NA

Nicole Allison - NA

Lynnette Saloumi - Yes

Shane McCluskey - NA

Fairley Wijesinghe - Yes

Jennifer Jaeger - Yes

Theo Zographos - Yes

Jackson Bradshaw - NA

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Steve Yanko - Yes

Anna Murchie - Yes

Warwick Dunn - Yes

Josh Fergus - Yes

Jyoti Ghosh - Yes

Rebeca Paterson - Yes

Nicole Allison -Yes

Lynnette Saloumi - Yes

Shane McCluskey - Yes

Fairley Wijesinghe - Yes

Jennifer Jaeger - Yes

Theo Zographos - Yes

Jackson Bradshaw - Yes

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Steve Yanko - As a musician and a music teacher myself I know how hard it is to make a living from music. As a teacher, I personally know many former students who are trying to play live and from own experience as a live musician, I would support initiatives that assist musicians.

Warwick Dunn - In short, there needs to be more live music in the Monash Council municipality. Should I be successful in my application to join Monash Council, this is a cause I am happy to promote and support.

Josh Fergus - As a young person I was involved in the FReeZA program and I greatly benefited from the experience. Local government can play a great role in supporting local artists and engaging young people through music and the arts.

Jyoti Ghosh - thanks. If elected i will listen to concerns and request for information to form my views

Nicole Allison -I am a music lover and am raising my 4 year old to love and enjoy music by attending age appropriate music events. I would love to see more varied and diverse live music events in the City of Monash and will work with council, the community and Music Victoria to support this.

Lynnette Saloumi -I am in favour of the Central Car Park Glen Waverley being turned into an open public square (with underground parking)which could then accommodate many varied community events - especially live music

Shane McCluskey -I didn't answer the question relating to the amount of funding as I am unsure of what the current funding levels, if any, are in my municipality. It would therefore be disingenuous of me to provide a yes or no answer.

Fairley Wijesinghe -I look forward to Keeping my promise and making a difference

Jennifer Jaeger - Thanks for the opportunity. Look forward to helping if elected.

Theo Zographos -I am happy to discuss in greater detail at any time.

Jackson Bradshaw -I hope there is a survey for the creative arts in general and not just music. Collaboration between multiple disciplines i.e. music, arts, film etc. is what I would like to see happen more often.

Andrew Zheng-Macdonald - I have been a Supporter of LIVE Music for MANY MANY Years. I look forward to your support and guidance, on making Monash Council a better LIVE Artist Community :)

Moonee Valley City Council

Buckley Ward (3 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Mr GIULIANO, Paul

Did not respond

Mrs SHARPE, Narelle

See below response

Mr LAWRENCE, Richard

See below response

Mr BERTELLI, Nick

No email address provided

Mrs CHANTRY, Jan

Did not respond

Mrs BAJADA, Amanda

See below response

Mr WILLIAMS, James

Did not respond because; Mr Williams, as a musician, didn't want to make any comments that may jeopardise his ability to fight for music and live venues in Moonee Valley if he is elected as a councillor.

Scott Agresta - I enjoy all types of music from the 60s right through to now!

Richard Lawrence - Varied

Amanda Bajada - I have eclectic taste as i studied music for over 5 years and also worked in the music industry. I can listen to Mozart, Crowded House, Nirvana, Sarah Brightman to Ministry of Sound and completely enjoy what each artist group has to offer. I am incredibly passionate about the music industry and the impact it can have on transforming an individual to an entire community.

Narelle Sharpe - Alternative, rock, 80's, 90's

Nicole Marshall - Punk, rock, alternative

Rosemary McKenzie - R & B, Soul, Blues, Rock, Classical

Rose Iser - Folk, pop, classical, jazz, musical theatre.

Samantha Byrne - Acoustic

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Andrea Surace - We support local and other artists at our Clocktower theatre. Also have exhibitions at our Incinerator Gallery

Jim Cusack - Slow music festival, winter music festival, freeze events, step off, youth week battle of the bands, short movie festival which had music backgrounds, Essendon brass band, funds to music for individuals via the MV Foundation, Mediterranean festa, MV Festival, performances at the Spirit of MV Awards use of old Ukrainian Hall as a venue for new bands releasing their new albums, schools music initiatives, access to the Clocktower for concerts, opera, music events

Scott Agresta - NA

Richard Lawrence - NA

Amanda Bajada - NA

Narelle Sharpe - Moonee Valley have launched their own music label The Avenue - for our youth artists and up and coming musicians We have a dedicated music recording studio at a community hub which is able to be accessed by public transport for kids that can't drive yet Run a yearly "Battle of the bands" event

Nicole Marshall - Council has developed an Arts & Culture Plan and the Thrive youth strategy which provide various options to will support the music community. Council is, with other Councils, creating a performer/artists register. It also numerous musical events and festivals which provide opportunities for musicians (eg the Winter Music in the Valley series of events, smaller local events). One exciting new project was the creation of the "Avenue Records" label which provides opportunities for young local musicians to develop their music career. Council also has a variety of grants that are open to musicians

Rosemary McKenzie - NA

Rose Iser - NA

Samantha Byrne - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Andrea Surace - Exposure Recognition Available resources

Jim Cusack - Venues

Scott Agresta - No response

Richard Lawrence - I do not know

Amanda Bajada - Lack of smaller venues - Access to venues with high profile and expecting them to perform free of charge - Buskers need to be encouraged in shopping precincts and areas such as Queens Park, Lincoln Park, Woodlands Park etc. These spaces are perfect locations to bring community together and watch talented musicians perform.

Narelle Sharpe - Lack of rehearsal locations Lack of support from business

Nicole Marshall - Lack of appropriate venues and rehearsal spaces. Having an appropriate platform to share their music

Rosemary McKenzie - Venues for live music

Rose Iser - Moonee Valley has an Arts Strategy, however, the strategy does not yet extend to music and focuses mainly on visual and performing arts. Local artists are often invited to participate in concerts, events, and a Winter series of performances at local public spaces. These tend to focus on classical, pop or orchestral and ensemble music. There are some large performance spaces in the municipality, but few smaller performance spaces.

Samantha Byrne - Our municipality has some wonderful musicians and a 'Moonee Valley Foundation' grant that is awarded, often to a musician every year. Unfortunately there is not a lot of funding for the older musicians.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Andrea Surace - Lack of live music venues

Jim Cusack - Lack of options and parking

Scott Agresta - Well we don’t have many live music venues in the area but i would guess it would be the noise factor.

Rose Iser - There are only a few venues for live music in Moonee Valley and these have previously experienced conflict with adjacent residents. There is not a clear strategy for managing shared areas or supporting the creation of appropriate venues for live music. Moonee Valley abuts the Showgrounds and there have been multiple management issues regarding the impact of large concerts and festivals on surrounding areas.

Samantha Byrne - The neighbours complaining due to noise

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Andrea Surace - No

Jim Cusack - Yes

Scott Agresta - No

Richard Lawrence - No

Amanda Bajada - Yes

Narelle Sharpe - Yes

Nicole Marshall - Yes

Rosemary McKenzie - Yes

Rose Iser - Yes

Samantha Byrne - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Andrea Surace - Yes

Jim Cusack - Yes

Scott Agresta - Yes

Richard Lawrence - Need more information

Amanda Bajada - Yes

Narelle Sharpe - Yes

Nicole Marshall - Need more information

Rosemary McKenzie - Need more information

Rose Iser - Yes

Samantha Byrne - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Andrea Surace - Yes

Jim Cusack - Yes

Scott Agresta - Yes

Richard Lawrence - Need more information

Amanda Bajada - Yes

Narelle Sharpe - Yes

Nicole Marshall - Yes

Rosemary McKenzie - Need more information

Rose Iser - Yes

Samantha Byrne - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Jim Cusack - We have an arts policy that specifically refers to music and out of that a music plan could be developed or enhanced

Scott Agresta - Not sure

Richard Lawrence -??

Amanda Bajada - Yes I believe MVCC have positive attitude towards the music industry and support it well via the clockwork tower and other events throughout the year.

Narelle Sharpe - We have recently launched our music label "The Avenue" other initiatives are to increase the use of the recording studio and promote young talent

Nicole Marshall - See answer to question 4

Rosemary McKenzie - MVCC has a comprehensive music program, mainly based at The ClockTower in Moonee Ponds. It would be great to be able to offer a music program in other parts of the municipality, particularly Avondale Heights, Airport West, East Keilor

Rose Iser - There don't currently appear to be any specific strategies to support music and musicians - although there is an Arts strategy which could be extended to incorporate a focus on music.

Samantha Byrne - Unknown

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Andrea Surace - All of the above

Jim Cusack - Rehearsal space, grants (already available but better advertised), partnerships with Music Victoria would be fine, local venues to open doors and create the climate for live music

Scott Agresta - all of the above

Richard Lawrence -None of the Above

Amanda Bajada - I agree with all of the above statements and would proactively promote a strong relationship between council and the music industry.

Narelle Sharpe - All of the above

Nicole Marshall - Would be happy to consider all of the above options to the extent they are not already been done in Moonee Valley

Rosemary McKenzie - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Rose Iser - Grants and support for all age gigs. Rehearsal spaces in council owned venues - maybe for a very small membership fee. Loading zones. Partnering with Music Victoria to run PD. Safe and inclusive practices.

Samantha Byrne - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Andrea Surace - Need more information

Jim Cusack - No

Scott Agresta - Need more information

Richard Lawrence -Need more information

Amanda Bajada - Need more information

Narelle Sharpe - No

Nicole Marshall - Yes

Rosemary McKenzie - No

Rose Iser - Need more information

Samantha Byrne - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Andrea Surace - NA

Jim Cusack - Yes

Scott Agresta - NA

Richard Lawrence - NA

Amanda Bajada - NA

Narelle Sharpe - Yes

Nicole Marshall - NA

Rosemary McKenzie - Yes

Rose Iser - NA

Samantha Byrne - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Andrea Surace - Yes

Jim Cusack - Yes

Scott Agresta - Yes

Richard Lawrence - No

Amanda Bajada - Yes

Narelle Sharpe - Yes

Nicole Marshall - Yes

Rosemary McKenzie - Yes

Rose Iser - Yes

Samantha Byrne - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Andrea Surace - We also support local theatre groups and have small grants available on a monthly basis

Jim Cusack - An active art scape in Council including music is critical for the well being of our community. It also has benefits for business and is a great return on investment both personal and human capital as well as making good business sense.

Amanda Bajada - If Music Victoria, their members or musicians would like to contact me to discuss their views prior to or post election, I can be contacted on info@amandabajada.com.au.

Nicole Marshall - Contact me on votemarshall@gmail.com if you would like any further information

Rose Iser - I have established a small local community theatre company in our municipality. I understand the difficulty for local artists and groups finding rehearsal and performance spaces.

Moorabool Shire Council

Central Moorabool Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Dr KOWARSKY, John

See below response

Mr TATCHELL, Paul

Did not respond

East Moorabool Ward (4 vacancies, 8 candidates)

Candidates

Mr KEOGH, John

No email address provided

Mr COMRIE, Allan Edmund

Did not respond

Mr DEAGAN, Stuart

Did not respond

Mr EDWARDS, David

Did not respond

Ms BERRY, Moira

Did not respond

Ms SCARFF, Margaret Elizabeth

Did not respond

Mr BINGHAM, Jarrod

Did not respond

Mrs DUDZIK, Tonia

Did not respond

West Moorabool Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr SULLIVAN, Tom

Did not respond

Woodlands Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr BORGELT, Lawry Royce

See below response

Mr TOOHEY, Pat

Did not respond

Total candidates for Moorabool Shire Council 2016: 13

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Lawry Borgelt - Rock, Blues, Folk

John Kowarsky - All sorts

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Lawry Borgelt - NA

John Kowarsky - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Lawry Borgelt - Lack of venues to both practice and perform.

John Kowarsky - Do not know

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Lawry Borgelt - Their lack of number

John Kowarsky - Do not know

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Lawry Borgelt - No

John Kowarsky - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Lawry Borgelt - Yes

John Kowarsky - No

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Lawry Borgelt - Yes

John Kowarsky - No

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Lawry Borgelt - Grants for festivals that have live music.

John Kowarsky - Do not know

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Lawry Borgelt - All of the above.

John Kowarsky - Need to get onto Council first to learn what is happening and what the constraints may be.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Lawry Borgelt - Need more information

John Kowarsky - No response

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Lawry Borgelt - NA

John Kowarsky - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Lawry Borgelt - Yes

John Kowarsky - No

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

John Kowarsky - I support in principle the concept of promoting and supporting the Arts, including Music. I have had to answer "no" several times because I do not yet have a full appreciation of what issues and resources may be involved.

Moreland City Council

North-East Ward (4 vacancies, 20 candidates)

Candidates

Dr MIAN, Afshan

See below response

Mr IRFANLI, Ali

Did not respond

Mr FAILLA, Paul

Did not respond

Mr GEORGIOU, George

See below response

KELLEHER, Darcey

See below response

HELOU, Anthony

Did not respond

Mrs ABBOUD, Natalie

See below response

Ms CARLI HANNAN, Annalivia

Did not respond

Mr HONG, Kevin

No email address provided

Mr MICHELL, Danny

See below response

Mr PULFORD, Adam

See below response

Ms PAVLIDIS, Helen

Did not respond

Mr TIMPANO, Francesco

See below response

Mr GARTSIDE, Gordon

Did not respond

Ms BOLTON, Sue

See below response

ANGELOPOULOS, Katerina

Did not respond

Ms McGILVRAY, Alex

Did not respond

Mr NUNNS, David

Did not respond

Mr BONIFAZIO, Antonio

See below response

Ms JUBB, Imogen

See below response

North-West Ward (4 vacancies, 14 candidates)

Candidates

Mr SHAKYA, Raju

Did not respond

O'BRIEN, Mark

No email address provided

Mr KAVANAGH, John

See below response

Mr MULIPOLA, Alesio

Did not respond

Mr MINEHAN, Shaun

See below response

Mr YILDIZ, Oscar

Did not respond

Ms PRYOR, Alice Judith

See below response

Mr ASTUTO, Tony

No email address provided

Mr SHARMA LUITAL, Parsu

Did not respond

Mr ELMUSTAPHA, Mohamad

Did not respond

Ms DAVIDSON, Helen

No email address provided

Ms NELSON, Sian

Did not respond

Mr EL-HALABI, Milad

Did not respond

Mr MARTIN, Dale

Did not respond

South Ward (3 vacancies, 13 candidates)

Candidates

Mr PASTOORS, Ray

See below response

Mr HANSEN, Chris

Did not respond

Mr BHUSAL, Vijay

No email address provided

Mr O'BRIEN, Dave

Did not respond

Mr TAPINOS, Lambros

See below response

Mr O'CALLAGHAN, Dean Norman

Did not respond

Mr CAPUTO, Joe

Did not respond

Miss DORNEY, Jess

See below response

Ms SMITH, Kelly Maree

Did not respond

Ms RATNAM, Samantha

See below response

Ms YUAN, Melissa

Did not respond

Mr RILEY, Mark

See below response

Ms HOPPER, Meghan

See below response

Total candidates for Moreland City Council 2016: 47

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Samantha Ratnam - Soul, funk, Indi, and so much more

Danny Michell - Indie, Roots, 90's

Adam Pulford - All kinds! Depends the occasion. Most often listen to folk, folk/rock when I'm alone, but Top 40s are great for gym or drinks with friends, 90s hits and Aussie hip-hop are perfect for parties & classic high school hits for roadtrips with friends.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Samantha Ratnam - During the last term, we have strongly and consistently supported our music and broader artistic community through our festivals such as the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of local and other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. The Greens have supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. The Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre, We have also been conscious that many musicians are being affected by the pressure of urban development on performance venues and have been working to ensure that we support love music and other performance spaces to remain in Moreland. I have also initiative a review of permits to make it easier for buskers to perform in the city.

Danny Michell - NA

Adam Pulford - NA

Mark Riley - NA

George Georgiou - NA

Lambros Tapinos - I have supported live music venues in the municipality. I support planning laws like 'agent of change' that protect existing live music venues from apartment development. I voted against the development on Nicholson Street that interfered with the 3RRR fresnel zone. This threatened the future of 3RRR in our municipality but we stopped developmentebnt and secured its future on the current site . I have supported the creative industries and preserved semi-industrial land near Wick Studios to ensure they continue to operate without apartments being built next to them. Moreland is home to many young musicians and studio space is very important to them. I have supported the participation of young local musicians in the Brunswick Music Festival and Sydney Road Street Party. I supported the Oxygen Youth Space that includes a recording studio and rehearsal space for young artists.

John Kavanagh - I have previously meet with representatives of Music Victoria and have helped with changes to loading zone local laws to allow the transfer of music equipment.

Francesco Timpano - NA

Afshan Mian - NA

Sue Bolton - There is a considerable amount of support for music, including local musicians through the Sydney Road street party and other local festivals. This is an annual festival, however, the Moreland City Band feels that it doesn't get enough support from council, despite it being a commmunity band which doesn't charge membership fees.

Alice Pryor - I previously served on Moreland Council from 2004-2012. In that time I served on Moreland's Arts Board and was a founding member of Performing Arts Moreland - the organisers of the Brunswick Music Festival. I was a load and proud support of Freeza Youth music and a driving supporter behind the development of the Oxygen Youth Facility - which supports Freeza and has a music studio. I also led Council's support of the performing arts and music centre at Glenroy Secondary College. I also lobbied for better noise attenuation measures in new residential and commercial buildings to increase the use of buildings as live music venues.

Ray Pastoors - NA

Imogen Jubb - NA

Antonio Bonifazio - NA

Darcey Kelleher - NA

Shaun Minehan - NA

Meghan Hopper - Revitalising the way we offer the Brunswick Music Festival and Sydney Road Street Party - I personally opened Wick Studios in Brunswick and have developed a close relationship with the owners and support their work - our Economic Development team provides a lot of support for small arts businesses - I also met with Michael Tortoni during my time as Mayor to discuss his plans to develop a venue in Brunswick and see how Council could support that - Build a small music studio as part of our Oxygen Youth Centre in Coburg - our annual Community Grants and Small Festivals Grants programs support one-off events and provide infrastructure support to local organisations including artists - Worked with the State Planning Minister to stop a developer building directly opposite Triple R in a way that would have blocked their fresnel zone and stopped them broadcasting at their home of over a decade

Natalie Abboud - During the last term, we have strongly and consistently supported our music and broader artistic community through our festivals such as the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of local and other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. The Greens have supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. The Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre, We have also been conscious that many musicians are being affected by the pressure of urban development on performance venues and have been working to ensure that we support love music and other performance spaces to remain in Moreland.

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Samantha Ratnam - Reduction in amount of available and affordable rehearsal and creative spaces -Urban development reducing live performance venue options -Lack of stable employment opportunities within the music and broader artistic professions -Less in overall funding and grantsavailable to musicians

Danny Michell - Safety of performers is a big issue, particularly getting from venues to vehicles, which may be parked in poorly lit car parks of side streets. This not only an issue of threat of theft, but of physical safety. Addressing this needs not only a council with issues of lack of lighting, but also of venues understanding that consideration of this is part of them being a performance venue. - Access to parking to bump in and out of gigs and not having the threat or risk of infringements. Other council's have arrangements that accomodate this as an issue and it should be no different here. - Access to affordable housing. This is an important issue and is particularly pressing for those in the creative industries like musicians. All opportunities should be considered and advocated for to expand affordable housing to assist those in creative industries to continue being apart of what makes our community the great place that it is.

Adam Pulford - Reduction in amount of available and affordable rehearsal and creative spaces; urban development reducing live performance venue options and a lack of stable employment opportunities within the music and broader artistic professions.

Mark Riley - Reduction in amount of available and affordable rehearsal and creative spaces. Urban development reducing live performance venue options. Lack of stable employment opportunities within the music and broader artistic professions.

George Georgiou - There are many musicians who reside in Moreland and many more moving in. Not sure what their biggest issue is but I would guess that our music related retail sector and facilities for rehearsing and recording would be struggling to cater for the local population, therefore musicians would have to be travelling to other municipalities for many of their requirements.

Lambros Tapinos - Land being available for studio space not turned into apartments. More arts grants with a particular focus on musicians, providing music and arts hubs to foster and support local musicians. Develop festivals like the Sydney Road Street Party, where local musicians can perform.

John Kavanagh - Making a reasonable living.

Francesco Timpano - Lack of appreciation for their art. Poverty. How to not declare cash payments.

Afshan Mian - Lack of funds

Sue Bolton - Some of the issues are the lack of cheap and accessible venues to practise for musicians who don't have much money. The Moreland City Band is one such venue which provides a free or cheap venue but it isn't funded by very much by the council. There is also some support fro musicians through council support for the Oyxygen Youth Centre.

Alice Pryor - Lack of rehearsal space particularly as old industrial buildings get redeveloped into housing, reduction in live music venues, increasing rents and house prices.

Ray Pastoors - No response

Imogen Jubb - How to make a living wage from their work.

Antonio Bonifazio - The inability for councillors to understand that music is the way into ones soul.

Darcey Kelleher - The challenge for muso's in general is; 1. The ability to generate income from their craft. 2. Having suitable venues to perform. Moreland Council does not have a purpose built Arts and Culture centre. Many live venues are challenged by noise abatement policy within newly established plannings schemes .

Shaun Minehan - Lack of access to appropriate venues in which to play music on a regular basis. Cost of living in Moreland City Council and housing affordability issues would make it almost impossible for a musician to live in the LGA and be able to dedicate their career full time to music.

Meghan Hopper - We have the highest number of registered recording artists of any municipality Australia-wide so I would say it gets down to the fundamentals of living and working as an artist in an area that is becoming increasingly more expensive.

Jess Dorney - Reduction in amount of available and affordable rehearsal and creative spaces, urban development reducing live performance venue options, lack of stable employment opportunities within the music and broader artistic professions

Natalie Abboud - Reduction in amount of available and affordable rehearsal and creative spaces Urban development reducing live performance venue options. Lack of stable employment opportunities within the music and broader artistic professions

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Samantha Ratnam - Several venues have been closed down as they are being redeveloped into residential apartments.This may limit the number of suitable venues available for live music.

Danny Michell - Cost pressures of maintaining their business space or part there of for live music. We all know of pubs or bars that no longer have live music and once it's gone in most instances it doesn't come back. Businesses need to know that they have community and council that will support them in not going down that path. - Challenges of noise and community and the balance and support that is needed to address this. - Pre loading by patrons before attending gigs, and the negative impacts to other patrons, performers and venue staff.

Adam Pulford - Several venues have been closed down as they are being redeveloped into residential apartments. Perceptions of urban safety around live music venues are changing and greater regulation is being placed on patrons which might deter patronage.

Mark Riley - Several venues have been closed down as they are being redeveloped into residential apartments. Perceptions of urban safety around live music venues are changing and greater regulation is being placed on patrons which might deter patronage.

George Georgiou - There are many live venues in Moreland but many of them are in venues that developers are eyeing off as potential residential developments.

Lambros Tapinos - Apartment development making it difficult for live music venues to function without complaints. The agent of change laws will hopefully help. We want our city to have a vibrant night economy and live music venues play a big role in that, and that's why we need to support them. Its very disappointing the Brunswick East Hotel closed down a few years ago, we want our economic development team at the council to work with the live music industry to help identify land where venues can establish in our city, particularly Bunswick.

John Kavanagh - Development and rezoning means that live music venues face noise complaints from new residents. Lack of suitable venue space.

Francesco Timpano - Lack of quality venues

Afshan Mian - Unaffordable

Sue Bolton - There are two big issues - the takeover of pubs by pokies, and also I suspect there are issues of residents complaints about music from the new developments - however, this hasn't been a big issue in my current term on council.

Alice Pryor - Increasing development of old pubs as housing, clashes between old uses and new.

Ray Pastoors - No response

Imogen Jubb - Costs and complaints from neighbours

Antonio Bonifazio - Lack of appreciation by councillors .

Darcey Kelleher - Moreland Council needs to refocus on core services that will encourage entrepreneurs willing to run live music venues. Helpful measures would include: -Reduction of rates -Improved Street sanitation -Cleaning up our parks and gardens

Shaun Minehan - Housing development. Increasing density of apartments in areas where live music venues once flourished.

Meghan Hopper - The extent of property development and how this changes demographics and expectations. e.g. the loss of the East Brunswick Hotel band room for apartments prior to my election on Council

Jess Dorney - Several venues have been closed down as they are being redeveloped into residential apartments.

Natalie Abboud - Several venues have been closed down as they are being redeveloped into residential apartments.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Samantha Ratnam - Yes

Danny Michell - Yes

Adam Pulford - Yes

Mark Riley - Yes

George Georgiou - No

Lambros Tapinos - Yes

John Kavanagh - Yes

Francesco Timpano - No

Afshan Mian - No

Sue Bolton - Yes

Alice Pryor - Yes

Ray Pastoors - Yes

Imogen Jubb - Yes

Antonio Bonifazio - No

Darcey Kelleher - Yes

Shaun Minehan - Yes

Meghan Hopper - Yes

Jess Dorney - Yes

Natalie Abboud - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Samantha Ratnam - Yes

Danny Michell - Yes

Adam Pulford - Yes

Mark Riley - Yes

George Georgiou - Yes

Lambros Tapinos - Yes

John Kavanagh - Need more information

Francesco Timpano - Yes

Afshan Mian - Yes

Sue Bolton - Yes

Alice Pryor - Need more information

Ray Pastoors - Need more information

Imogen Jubb - Yes

Antonio Bonifazio -Yes

Darcey Kelleher - Yes

Shaun Minehan - Yes

Meghan Hopper - Yes

Jess Dorney - Yes

Natalie Abboud - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Samantha Ratnam - Yes

Danny Michell - Yes

Adam Pulford - Yes

Mark Riley - Yes

George Georgiou - Yes

Lambros Tapinos - Yes

John Kavanagh - Yes

Francesco Timpano - Yes

Afshan Mian - Yes

Sue Bolton - Yes

Alice Pryor - Yes

Ray Pastoors - Need more information

Imogen Jubb - Yes

Antonio Bonifazio - Yes

Darcey Kelleher - Yes

Shaun Minehan - Yes

Meghan Hopper - Yes

Jess Dorney - Yes

Natalie Abboud - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Samantha Ratnam - There is a strong festivals and events program that provides opportunities for new, emerging and established musicians to perform throughout the year. These include the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of local and other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. Council has supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. Our Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre.

Danny Michell - Moreland has several music festivals, but I believe they should be more open to local musicians.

Adam Pulford - There is a strong festivals and events program that provides opportunities for new, emerging and established musicians to perform throughout the year. These include the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of local and other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. Council has supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. Our Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre.

Mark Riley - There is a strong festivals and events program that provides opportunities for new, emerging and established musicians to perform throughout the year. These include the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of local and other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. Council has supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. Our Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre.

George Georgiou - Not sure. This is an important area for Moreland and one I must get up to date with.

Lambros Tapinos - I will advocate for an individual music strategy that will look at how we can encourage live music in our municipality and support our local musicians. I am interested in a music hub in Brunswick.

John Kavanagh - We financially support the Brunswick Music Festival.

Francesco Timpano - I attend live music performances when possible

Afshan Mian - Do not know

Sue Bolton - There aren't any particular initiatives other than its support for Performing Arts Moreland and Oxygen Youth Centre.

Alice Pryor - Numerous activities, some detailed above. As I am not currently a Councillor, I am unable to fully detail their current initiatives.

Ray Pastoors - Library actively buys local musicians cd's. - Library Live allows local musicians to share their talents. - Council promotes live music, gigs and local events such as bands.

Imogen Jubb - Moreland Arts strategy including the Brunswick Music Festival and Sydney Rd Street Party, local park events and support for local artists.

Antonio Bonifazio - Unfortunatly very little.

Darcey Kelleher - Brunswick is fairly muso friendly but there is a need for more diversity and options throughout the entire city.

Jess Dorney - There is a strong festivals and events program that provides opportunities for new, emerging and established musicians to perform throughout the year. These include the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of local and other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. Council has supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. Our Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre.

Natalie Abboud - There is a strong festivals and events program that provides opportunities for new, emerging and established musicians to perform throughout the year. These include the Brunswick Music Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Music for the People in Pascoe Vale and Coburg Night market music performance programs. These events showcase a significant number of localand other artists and have continued to grow in popularity and patronage. Council has increased staff resources to coordinate these events in future. Council has supported Performing Arts Moreland in the delivery of part of this program through strong financial assistance. Our Oxygen Youth Centre offers low cost well equipped band/music rehearsal space with programs to support young musicians programmed through the centre.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Samantha Ratnam - I would support all the options listed -free/low cost rehearsal spaces -musicians parkings/loading zones outside live venues -grants and support for all ages gigs -Partnering with music victoriato run industry professional development workshops -Encouraging local venues to operate safe and inclusive practises

Danny Michell - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues, Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues, Grants and support for all ages gigs, Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops, Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Adam Pulford - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues Grants and support for all ages gigs Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Mark Riley - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues. Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues. Grants and support for all ages gigs. Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops. Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises.

George Georgiou - I believe all of the above are important.

Lambros Tapinos - all of the above. It would be great to work with Music Victoria to develop a strategy for music in Moreland that would identify all these actions and more

John Kavanagh - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Francesco Timpano - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Afshan Mian - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Sue Bolton - I support all of these proposals - free rehearsal spaces, musicians parking/loading zones/parntering with Music Victoria for workshops/encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises/grants and support for all ages gigs.

Alice Pryor - Grants and support for all ages gigs, Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises, Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Ray Pastoors - Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues, where appropriate. Grants and support Partnering with Music Victoria Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practices

Imogen Jubb - I would support a number of these.

Antonio Bonifazio - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Darcey Kelleher - All your measure are worthy of my support.

Shaun Minehan - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Meghan Hopper - I'd happily select all of the above! We already do have some free rehearsal spaces but they are primarily limited to youth. We provide all-ages gigs at our youth centre and support others through the Brunswick Music Festival. We used to be so partnered with Music Victoria that they operated out of the Brunswick Town Hall but sadly they moved :(

Jess Dorney - Yes to all of the above

Natalie Abboud - Yes to all of the above

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Samantha Ratnam - No

Danny Michell - No

Adam Pulford - Yes

Mark Riley - Yes

George Georgiou - Need more information

Lambros Tapinos - No

John Kavanagh - Yes

Francesco Timpano - Need more information

Afshan Mian - No

Sue Bolton - Need more information

Alice Pryor - No

Ray Pastoors - Need more information

Imogen Jubb - No

Antonio Bonifazio - Yes

Darcey Kelleher - No

Shaun Minehan - No

Meghan Hopper - No

Jess Dorney - No

Natalie Abboud - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Samantha Ratnam - Yes

Danny Michell - Yes

Adam Pulford - NA

Mark Riley - NA

George Georgiou - NA

Lambros Tapinos - Yes

John Kavanagh - NA

Francesco Timpano - NA

Afshan Mian - Yes

Sue Bolton - NA

Alice Pryor - Yes

Ray Pastoors - NA

Imogen Jubb - Yes

Antonio Bonifazio - NA

Darcey Kelleher - Yes

Shaun Minehan - Yes

Meghan Hopper - Yes

Jess Dorney - Yes

Natalie Abboud - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Samantha Ratnam - Yes

Danny Michell - Yes

Adam Pulford - Yes

Mark Riley - Yes

George Georgiou - Yes

Lambros Tapinos - Yes

John Kavanagh - Yes

Francesco Timpano - Yes

Afshan Mian - Yes

Sue Bolton - Yes

Alice Pryor - Yes

Ray Pastoors - Yes

Imogen Jubb - Yes

Antonio Bonifazio -Yes

Darcey Kelleher - Yes

Shaun Minehan - Yes

Meghan Hopper - Yes

Jess Dorney - Yes

Natalie Abboud - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Samantha Ratnam - Our municipality is lucky to have one of the largest concentrations of musicians and artists as compared with any other Australian city. I am committed to working to provide more support for musicians to live, work, perform and develop their creative industries in Moreland.

Danny Michell - I have been a long time patron and supporter of live music, concerts and festivals. I have a deep appreciation of the importance that live music plays to our community, and for those that work professionally in this industry. I have also worked closely with Music Victoria in the past and have seen first hand the progress they have made in advocacy for musicians, live music and venues.

Mark Riley - My partner is an artist and I'm acutely aware of the need for more support for artists and cultural development in our community. Council's can do more and if elected as a Councillor I would give time to develop this aspect of Council's work.

Lambros Tapinos - I spoke against illegal where-house parties in Brunswick because they are dangerous, and I believe they take people away from our local venues and do not pay young musicians enough.

John Kavanagh - Re Q 14. There will have to be some fees for this increased usage.

Antonio Bonifazio - I enjoy my music as it takes me to another dimension, so I would encourage and support it all the way.

Shaun Minehan - Id like to see a greater engagement in suburbs that haven't been able to cultivate musicians and create an arts/live music scene like some other parts of the LGA have - that is more funding and work to make an impact in Gowanbrae, Glenroy, Pascoe Vale and Oak Park.

Meghan Hopper - Have consistently supported increases in funding to the arts but sadly the majority of my fellow Councillors have not viewed it as a priority. Wish you the best of luck :)

Natalie Abboud -

Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share? I feel that music is a great for of expression. I think that as an art form it is one that people are able to connect to very easily. I have always enjoyed live music and will continue to do so.

Jane Clarke - Everything, however Country & Western not high on my fav list. Sorry lovelies.

Frank Martin - Classical

David Gill - Blues

Antonella Celi - All sorts

Phillip Parker - Rock, Pop, Soft Metal, Contemporary, and Classical

Colin Watson - Rythym and Blues

Tom Davies - Everything

Rex Griffin - All

Joe Lenzo -Almost everything

Garry Woodhams - All kinds

Stewart Lockie - Live with real instrutments

Blair Heading - Live Music

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Russell McCraw - NA

Lee Stanford - NA

Michael Sixtus - NA

Cameron Brown - NA

Jane Clarke - NA

Frank Martin - Provided bursaries and additional funding for teaching and master classes for students on the Peninsula

David Gill - NA

Antonella Celi - I am renominating for my seat in the Seawinds Ward. The Arts & Culture strategy the Council has provided support in funding for a Shire wide Music Program with an allocation of $45,000 that includes • Mornington Peninsula Music Network Inc. ($15k); • Developing independent songwriters ($5k); • Peninsula Music Society Bursary Program ($10k) - Mornington Peninsula classical music students undertake master classes, mentoring and performance with Melbourne Chamber Orchestra; • 'On the mOVe' (Orchestra Victoria annual education program) ($5k); and • Mornington Winter Jazz Festival ($10k).

Phillip Parker - NA

Colin Watson - NA

Tom Davies - NA

Rex Griffin - NA

Joe Lenzo - NA

Garry Woodhams - NA

Stewart Lockie - NA

Blair Heading - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Russell McCraw - Transport and getting paid enough money.

Lee Stanford - Lack of Musician Halls for young new entertainers to play their music.There are alot of many new fresh artists around our community who wouold love the opportunity to show their talent.

Michael Sixtus - The Mornington Peninsula used to be home of the music scene. Times have changed with different councils withdrawing their support for small gigs and events, and it's so hard to get into recording and off the ground. Biggest issues facing musicians is how little support they get for their talents.

Cameron Brown - Venues, and support.

Jane Clarke - Range of suitable affordable performing venue options. Lack of rehearsal space. Unaware of any local recording studios. Don't know if local radio station has a dedicated program to upcoming musos, songwriters etc.

Frank Martin - Travel to and from Venues. Having the melbourne based musicians visit more often

David Gill - Lack of venues

Antonella Celi - Access to some venues on the Mornington Peninsula who prefer to attract the big name acts for a better $ return to their venue. This can be a barrier to our local musicians securing local gigs as they are not preferenced over the large name acts most times.

Phillip Parker - The size of our municipality and the placement of residents is probably the biggest issue. Our municipality has smaller communities spread across localized regions with a lot of rural and semi-rural areas. In the Western based wards such as the Briars Wards and Seawinds Ward, it would be easier to establish music communities in these areas.

Colin Watson - Lack of performance venues

Tom Davies - A lack of venues limits the variety of music available, however outdoor events in public locations could be achievable.

Rex Griffin - Lack of indoor venues and work.

Joe Lenzo - Visability

Garry Woodhams - Live music venues

Stewart Lockie - Funding and exposure

Blair Heading - Musicians find it difficult to find free or low cost rehearsal spaces, access to grants and support and local venues that encourage local performers.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Russell McCraw - Low patronage

Lee Stanford - We don't have a controlled and managed venue where new artists can play and show off their talent to the local communities. Perhaps once a month haveing a contolled venue where locals and no locals can come and listen to new artisits who want to show their talent. there are plenty of Halls in our community that seem to be free of use many days of the week so having this use of the venue will allow the venue to come alive again.

Michael Sixtus - Running costs, the sale of our iconic venues, insurance and rates. With the pocket gouging on every level, popup events in venues are becoming the norm, as permanent venues simply can't survive the barrage of costs

Cameron Brown - Not many.

Jane Clarke - For outdoor events - weather. Dancing in the rain is fun however not good for instruments. Availability of suitably sized indoor venues.

Frank Martin - No repsonse

David Gill - Attracting an audience

Antonella Celi - The capacity to manage patronage numbers and the regulation surrounding crowd control and risk mitigation at the venues.

Phillip Parker - The biggest issues for any musician is getting yourself known. Private operators of venues such as pubs and clubs would generally want to see a return on their investments. The other issue commonly factored in is suitable rehearsal places, especially in areas where there is a high density of people.

Colin Watson - Promotional funding

Tom Davies - Heritage overlays and reluctance to development in the area. I believe that outdoor music events in my area would be most appropriate.

Rex Griffin - Once again Venues that are suitable (Indoor)

Joe Lenzo - Not enough support by council. we have a beautiful ban shell in rosebud that is never used. Could easily be used for weekend concerts and the introduction of new talent.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Russell McCraw - No

Lee Stanford - No

Michael Sixtus - Yes

Cameron Brown - No

Jane Clarke - No

Frank Martin - Yes

David Gill - No

Antonella Celi - Yes

Phillip Parker - No

Colin Watson - No

Tom Davies - Yes

Rex Griffin - No

Joe Lenzo - Yes

Garry Woodhams - No

Stewart Lockie - No

Blair Heading - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Russell McCraw - Need more information

Lee Stanford - Yes

Michael Sixtus - Need more information

Cameron Brown - Need more information

Jane Clarke - Need more information

Frank Martin - Yes

David Gill - Yes

Antonella Celi - Need more information

Phillip Parker - Need more information

Colin Watson - Yes

Tom Davies - Yes

Rex Griffin - Yes

Joe Lenzo - Yes

Garry Woodhams - Yes

Stewart Lockie - Yes

Blair Heading - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Russell McCraw - Need more information

Lee Stanford - Yes

Michael Sixtus - Yes

Cameron Brown - Yes

Jane Clarke - Need more information

Frank Martin - Yes

David Gill - Yes

Antonella Celi - Yes

Phillip Parker - Yes

Colin Watson - Yes

Tom Davies - Yes

Rex Griffin - Yes

Joe Lenzo - Yes

Garry Woodhams - Yes

Stewart Lockie - Yes

Blair Heading - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Russell McCraw - Not sure

Lee Stanford - Local Pubs will often have bands and music and some will support local artists.

Michael Sixtus - None to my knowledge. Our sister city has council recording studios, to train sound tech's. We've got private enterprises hosting huge events at the Mornington race course and the agricultural school. But music hasn't been truly alive on the Peninsula since I was busting out roundhouses in converse.

Cameron Brown - Southern Peninsula Arts centre, though is used mostly by Rosebud High school.

Jane Clarke - Youth Freeza Events. Issue of permits for outdoor music festivals. Availability of camp facilities for annual school music camps.

Antonella Celi - Through the Arts and Culture Strategy we are developing a well researched Draft Music Development Plan and allocating funding in the Annual budget for music programs. Also support the Impact FREEZA youth musician program at our council owned venues.

Phillip Parker - I believe that the council has permitted advertising of music schools in public places for music teaching school that operates in three towns across the municipality. Our council endorses festival days both in Mornington, Westernport, and to a more limited extent in Rye - where there is live music performances.

Tom Davies - Personally, I am trying to attach strong music performances to our existing events and am willing to push for more with music community.

Rex Griffin - Mornington Peninsula Shire have a number of festivals and events, like Australia Day Celebrations, were music is played.

Joe Lenzo - None that i am aware of.

Garry Woodhams - None. They seem to think of reasons why there should be no live music rather than encourage it

Stewart Lockie - Unsure.

Blair Heading - The Mornington Peninsula Shire has supported a range of music networks and projects that foster a vibrant local music landscape, including current partnership projects with Orchestra Victoria, Peninsula Music Society & Beleura House & Garden among others. It also supports busking.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Russell McCraw - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Lee Stanford - I belieive all of the above needs to be a concern in our local municipality.

Michael Sixtus - These are all amazing ideas. And I would be thrilled to implement any or all of them.

Cameron Brown - No response

Jane Clarke - What about a music program for all abilities and one celebrating our variety of cultures.

Antonella Celi - Grants and support for all ages; partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops; grants and support for all ages gigs; will consider in discussions: subsidised rehearsal spaces in council owned venues; musicians parking/loading zones outside live music venues; encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practices.

Phillip Parker - If elected, I would consider all of the options stated above, however I would like to see what additional safety and operation controls Music Victoria would recommend in relation to using Council owned venues, and I would also like to see some accountability with a volunteer network too. I also think it is necessary to review the codes/policies for private operators for the benefit of both the musicians/performers, the patrons, and the residents.

Colin Watson - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Tom Davies - I will push for facilitating the strong musical talent in the ward by encouraging restaurants and clubs who wish to have music at an event or as entertainment.

Rex Griffin - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Joe Lenzo - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Garry Woodhams - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Stewart Lockie - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Blair Heading - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Russell McCraw - Need more information

Lee Stanford - No

Michael Sixtus - No

Cameron Brown - Need more information

Jane Clarke - Need more information

Frank Martin - Yes

David Gill - No

Antonella Celi - Yes

Phillip Parker - Need more information

Colin Watson - No

Tom Davies - Yes

Rex Griffin - No

Joe Lenzo - No

Garry Woodhams - No

Stewart Lockie - No

Blair Heading - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Russell McCraw - NA

Lee Stanford - Yes

Michael Sixtus - Yes

Cameron Brown - NA

Jane Clarke - NA

Frank Martin - NA

David Gill - Yes

Antonella Celi - NA

Phillip Parker - No

Colin Watson - Yes

Tom Davies - NA

Rex Griffin - Yes

Joe Lenzo - Yes

Garry Woodhams - Yes

Stewart Lockie - Yes

Blair Heading - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Russell McCraw - Yes

Lee Stanford - Yes

Michael Sixtus - Yes

Cameron Brown - Yes

Jane Clarke - Yes

Frank Martin - Yes

David Gill - Yes

Antonella Celi - Yes

Phillip Parker - Yes

Colin Watson - Yes

Tom Davies - Yes

Rex Griffin - Yes

Joe Lenzo - Yes

Garry Woodhams - Yes

Stewart Lockie - Yes

Blair Heading - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Lee Stanford - Music can have a large emotional impact on people and their lives and can have a big impact on someones life. I believe that music should become a major factor in everyones life, and should be encouraged more in all communities.

Michael Sixtus - I loved being a musician as a younger man. My partner was a recording artist. Music is and will always be a great part of me. I would do almost anything to give the gifts of my youth to the young people of today. I can scarcely remember a weekend when we weren't out playing a show or going to someone else's. It was truly a golden age.

Cameron Brown - Not much of a network on the peninsula for musicians or like. Maybe an option would be to create a platform that could put local musicians in touch with local venues?

Jane Clarke - Thank you.

Phillip Parker - Growing up as a musician, I used to gig in local pubs and clubs, and I have a unique insight of the challenges that musicians face. I believe that it is even harder to be successful as a musician in this modern era as the interests of patrons have also changed, and a lot of private operators are discouraged from providing live gigs due to regulatory issues and liability concerns. It is also very challenging for a musician to earn a living from music, however in my opinion, music does a whole lot more than just earn money. For musicians, it helps them become more creative, to grow in confidence, and in some people it can have an amazing effect on reconizing their self worth. For an audience, music can be used to communicate messages, to strike an emotion, and encourage fellowship with others. For this reason, I am elected as a Councillor, I would welcome the opportunity to listen to ideas from Music Lobby groups, musicians, and other members of the community to ensure that Music can be shared with a far wider audience.

Tom Davies - I have been a musician for 16 years and have played major parts in the organisation of multiple outdoor events.

Stewart Lockie - To be honest I'm not up to date with the issues facing our music community but I'm will to listen and learn.

Blair Heading - Thank you for your interest.

Mount Alexander Shire Council

Calder Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr CORDY, Tony

Did not respond

Castlemaine Ward (3 vacancies, 8 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs MAYFAIR, Susan

See below response

Mr TAYLOR, Robin

No email address provided

Ms MACHIN, Bronwen

Did not respond

Mr SMITH, Jay

Did not respond

Mr PETRUSMA, Dave

See below response

Mr COLE, Christopher Ian

Did not respond

Mr BELL, Tony

Did not respond

Mr LESSER, Max Bert

See below response

Coliban Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

Dr HENDERSON, Christine

Did not respond

Mr REEVES, Michael

No email address provided

Mr BAYLISS, Bill

Did not respond

Loddon River Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr NIEMAN, John

Did not respond

Tarrengower Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr GARDNER, Stephen William

See below response

Mrs TELFORD, Sharon

Did not respond

Total candidates for Mount Alexander Shire Council 2016: 15

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Susan Mayfair - all

Dave Petrusma - Many and varied but Rock Music is my usual preference.

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Susan Mayfair - NA

Dave Petrusma - NA

Stephen William Gardner - NA

Max Lesser - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Susan Mayfair - No work

Dave Petrusma - As per most municipalities lack of places to play live music and places to practice live music.

Stephen William Gardner - There is limited spaces to play. In my Ward there is two pubs and a couple of halls. There is also limited support provided to musicians and music. My Ward has one music festival a year but the Shire consistently rejects applications for festivals or live music. I will support them.

Max Lesser - community engagement

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Dave Petrusma - Changes in 'pub culture' and the prevalence of gaming.

Stephen William Gardner - There is minimal venues available in my Ward. A major issue for anyone wanting to have an event, is the Shire's process in handling applications. They always reject them. A recent example of this was the Wild Things Festival. If I am elected I will support festival and music venues to hold events in conjunction with landowners.

Max Lesser - the cost to set up hire and risk management

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Susan Mayfair -No

Dave Petrusma - Yes

Stephen William Gardner - No

Max Lesser - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Susan Mayfair - Yes

Dave Petrusma - Yes

Stephen William Gardner - Yes

Max Lesser - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Susan Mayfair - Yes

Dave Petrusma - Yes

Stephen William Gardner - Yes

Max Lesser - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Susan Mayfair - ? Our current local government teels us nothing. Its why I'm standing.

Dave Petrusma - I am not aware of any current initiatives.

Stephen William Gardner - The Shire plays lips service to the Music industry and consistently rejects applications for live music and festivals.

Max Lesser - sourcing alternate venues at lower cost

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Jill Parker - Public exposure

Jordan Lockett - Venues / oportunities to play paid gigs for orgininal music - Workshops for performers - Support and development programs from older musicians (peer suppport) to younger musicians - Bring back the Mortlake Buskers Festival - Promotion of the Koroit Irish Festival - Support from the Port Fairy Folk Festival Committee to other smaller festivals -Possiblity of calling the Shire "The Festival Shire"

Marg Watt - Moyne Shire demonstrates exceptional support to the arts in general. Music features highly in our many festivals.

David Sinnott - Attendance- encouraging people to enjoy live music more often rather than staying at home

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Jill Parker - Insurance issues fir oublic events

Jordan Lockett - Threats of pokie machines - Cover bands instead of original bands -Lack of support and funding from the shire / State governments

Marg Watt - Our venues are small and intimate and provide close contact between audience and performer

David Sinnott - I would say the same thing: Attendance- encouraging people to enjoy live music more often rather than staying at home

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Jill Parker - No

Jordan Lockett - Yes

Marg Watt - No

David Sinnott - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Jill Parker - Need more information

Jordan Lockett -Yes

Marg Watt - Need more information

David Sinnott - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Jill Parker - Need more information

Jordan Lockett - Yes

Marg Watt - Need more information

David Sinnott - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Jill Parker - Funding and in kind support

Jordan Lockett - Minimal support from local counscil to support local music. Local festivals; Koroit Irish Festival

Marg Watt - A number of National and International performers grace our various festivals.

David Sinnott - Support for the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Spring Music Festival

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Jill Parker - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Jordan Lockett - I would encourage all of the options (except the parking option as there are no parking fines currently in the shire)

Marg Watt - Moyne Shire makes available shire owned facilities to support musicians/artists during our festivals. Many of our musicians/artists are also accommodated in private homes for the duration of these festivals. We are particularly proud of the willingness of our volunteers to assist musicians and artists in this manner.

David Sinnott - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Jill Parker - Need more information

Jordan Lockett - No

Marg Watt - Yes

David Sinnott - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Jill Parker - NA

Jordan Lockett - Yes

Marg Watt - NA

David Sinnott - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Jill Parker - Yes

Jordan Lockett - Yes

Marg Watt - Yes

David Sinnott - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Marg Watt - Moyne Shire has an excellent history of supporting the arts collectively. Our Spring Music Festival and the Internationally acclaimed Port Fairy Folk Festival are testament to this claim.

Murrindindi Shire Council

Cathedral Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs CHALLEN, Christine

See below response

Ms McAULAY, Sandice

Did not respond

Cheviot Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Ms BOWLES, Rebecca

See below response

KENNEDY, John Wilson

Did not respond

Eildon Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Ms ASHE, Jackie

See below response

King Parrot Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr LORDING, Eric

Did not respond

Kinglake Ward (1 vacancy, 3 candidates)

Candidates

GRAHAM, Jannene

Did not respond

ROWE, Geoff

Did not respond

Mr DUNSCOMBE, Leigh

Did not respond

Koriella Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Ms BISSET, Charlotte

Did not respond

Red Gate Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Ms RAE, Margaret

No email address provided

Total candidates for Murrindindi Shire Council 2016: 11

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Christine Challen - Just about everything

Jackie Ashe - Most music I enjoy, can't do much country though I'm sorry!

Rebecca Bowles - Classical, independent, blues

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Christine Challen - We have assisted with musical events grants

Jackie Ashe - NA

Rebecca Bowles - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Christine Challen - Making a living

Jackie Ashe - I don't really know, I know we have got some talented musicians around and that have gone further in their careers, I used to frequent a local venue that had regular gigs, but it's changed hands. I'd like to hear from musicians if they are finding challenges locally and help if I can. I also know our local Secondary Colleges have great music departments.

Rebecca Bowles - Access to music industry, venues in shire or industry support.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Christine Challen - Economic viability

Jackie Ashe - We have some great venues that could be used. I'd love to see more live music occurring!

Rebecca Bowles - Locals don't seem to mind enduring the noise that comes with live music if it is associated with a prescribed event, such as the now defunct Autumn festival, or Candles by candlelight, but anything outside these events is considered an anomaly and want be tolerated. So you don't have things like the Meredith festival or Splendour in the grass up here, which is a pity.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Christine Challen - No

Jackie Ashe - No

Rebecca Bowles - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Christine Challen - Yes

Jackie Ashe - Yes

Rebecca Bowles - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Christine Challen - Need more information

Jackie Ashe - Yes

Rebecca Bowles - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Christine Challen - We have an active arts policy which includes music and we provide venues for band practice and the Men's Shed Choir received a direct Council grant for travel

Jackie Ashe - We seem to have some great events around including most towns having a halls, hotels, there are some awesome public spaces also, festivals etc that might be opportunities. I've seen buskers in Alexandra during the summer the last two years and it has made me smile, more live music events would be great!

Rebecca Bowles - Have absolutely no idea, but haven't heard of anything so probably nothing. We do have small community groups helping though usually thru the community house, choir, music lessons etc.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Christine Challen - All of the above

Jackie Ashe - I would click Yes to all of the above (survey monkey won't let me)

Rebecca Bowles - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Christine Challen - Yes

Jackie Ashe - No

Rebecca Bowles - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Christine Challen - NA

Jackie Ashe - Yes

Rebecca Bowles - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Christine Challen - Yes

Jackie Ashe - Yes

Rebecca Bowles - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Christine Challen - The arts is essential for a community's health and wellbeing

Jackie Ashe - Thanks for the opportunity to do this survey, I would like to support my music, art and culture in Murrindindi!

Isabel Nalato - During my time on the Nillumbik Culture and Arts Consultative Committee (2009-2012), and my discussions with my fellow committee member Barry McKimm, and other musicians and composers I know, the biggest issue is a lack of opportunity for live performance in the municipality.

Fiona Sievers - People expect musicians and artists to work for free to 'promote themselves' - hard to build up a following - Nillumbik does host the annual Jazz Festival where artists are paid and recognised.

Katta O'Donnell - I think that it is difficult for musicians to get exposure and have enough support to get off the ground.

Peter Semple - The lack of venues and the lack of understanding of how much work is behind a single performance and how that translates into a low monetary reward

Alexander Collum - Although our local restaurants and similar venues are incredibly supportive of local musicians, I think there is still an issue surrounding Council's support of providing community spaces for a wide range of musicians. Exposure is critical for musicians, especially those making their start, so Council must be doing everything it can to provide assistance.

Isabel Nalato - There are too few live music venues in Nillumbik. A few cafes and restaurants have regular live music sessions, however these sessions are typically limited to weekends. There are two Council controlled purpose-built spaces for community and arts events (including innovative and mainstream music) - the Eltham Community and Reception Centre, and the Eltham Performing Arts Centre in Research. Nillumbik does enjoy a range of music and literature festivals and local celebrations in particular townships.

Fiona Sievers - Venues are only small and the acoustics are often poor making it hard to manage the sound.

Katta O'Donnell - When it happens the live music in Nillumbik is amazing, however I think that there is a lack of opportunity and there needs to be more live music venues available.

Peter Semple - Noise is always the most topical issue and especially where venues are close to residential areas.

Alexander Collum - In addition to simply providing more of these venues, Council could be doing more to encourage venues to be showcasing a variety of musicians, with a variety of talents. Partnerships and collaboration are essential to success in these sorts of issues.

Daneil Francis - No response

Grant Brooker - there are very few live music venues

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Derek Rollins - No

Peter Clarke - Yes

John Klein - No

John Dumaresq - No

Brett Ditchfield - No

Linda Pearson - No

Isabel Nalato - Yes

Fiona Sievers - Yes

Katta O'Donnell - Yes

Peter Semple - No

Alexander Collum - Yes

Daneil Francis - Yes

Grant Brooker - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Derek Rollins - Yes

Peter Clarke - Yes

John Klein - Yes

John Dumaresq - Need more information

Brett Ditchfield - Yes

Linda Pearson - Yes

Isabel Nalato - Yes

Fiona Sievers - Yes

Katta O'Donnell - Yes

Peter Semple - No

Alexander Collum - Yes

Daneil Francis - Yes

Grant Brooker - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Derek Rollins - Yes

Peter Clarke - Yes

John Klein - Yes

John Dumaresq - Need more information

Brett Ditchfield - Yes

Linda Pearson - Yes

Isabel Nalato - Yes

Fiona Sievers - Yes

Katta O'Donnell - Yes

Peter Semple - Yes

Alexander Collum - Yes

Daneil Francis - Yes

Grant Brooker - Need more information

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Derek Rollins - FEW IF ANY

Peter Clarke - Jazz Festival

John Klein - No initiatives

John Dumaresq - A number of well received festivals

Brett Ditchfield - Freezer under age gigs.

Linda Pearson - none as far as I know

Isabel Nalato - Whilst some festivals and events held in the Nillumbik municipality support live music, and the

Fiona Sievers - Nillumbik hosts the annual Jazz Food & Wine Festival which is 30 years old now. We have many venues in the shire that host bands regularly. We have other regular soirees, freeza events, discos for kids, the Eltham Voice, bands and school bands play in the Town Square on weekends

Katta O'Donnell - Currently there is a strong focus of having live music at events such as the Eltham Food and Wine Festival

Peter Semple - the shire makes available arts grants for local musicians and encourages festivals to use local musiciians

Alexander Collum - Nillumbik Shire Council has a Community Fund, where musicians, as well as other performers and community groups, can apply for funding on an annual basis. Council's festivals, such as the Practically Green festival, feature slots for music groups. Competitions for young musicians occur at youth festivals, as well as at community festivals, with the support of Council.

Daneil Francis - we have yhe wine and jazz festival annually and always have local bands and talent performing at festivals and markets. we have a very vibrant and strong arts community and culture and music should play a larger role.

Grant Brooker - none that I am aware of

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Derek Rollins - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Peter Clarke - Partnering with Music Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops

John Klein - Grants and support for all ages gigs

John Dumaresq - all the above arew good ideas

Brett Ditchfield - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Linda Pearson - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Isabel Nalato - Yes. Many or all of the above.

Fiona Sievers - I would support all of the above.

Katta O'Donnell - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Peter Semple - i would like to support any initiative that promotes local music and musicians if such initiatives are supported by the local community.

Alexander Collum - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Daneil Francis - Grants and support for all ages gigs

Grant Brooker - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Derek Rollins - No

Peter Clarke - Need more information

John Klein - No

John Dumaresq - No

Brett Ditchfield - No

Linda Pearson - No

Isabel Nalato - No

Fiona Sievers - No

Katta O'Donnell - No

Peter Semple - NA

Alexander Collum - Yes

Daneil Francis - No

Grant Brooker - Need more information

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Derek Rollins - Yes

Peter Clarke - NA

John Klein - Yes

John Dumaresq - Yes

Brett Ditchfield - Yes

Linda Pearson - Yes

Isabel Nalato - Yes

Fiona Sievers - Yes

Katta O'Donnell - Yes

Peter Semple - NA

Alexander Collum - NA

Daneil Francis - Yes

Grant Brooker - NA

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Derek Rollins - Yes

Peter Clarke - Yes

John Klein - Yes

John Dumaresq - Yes

Brett Ditchfield - Yes

Linda Pearson - Yes

Isabel Nalato - Yes

Fiona Sievers - Yes

Katta O'Donnell - Yes

Peter Semple - Yes

Alexander Collum - Yes

Daneil Francis - Yes

Grant Brooker - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Derek Rollins - I helped run a coffee lounge in City called Out Post Inn which produced many artists l;ike Margret Roadnight Danny Spooner, Mike Mc Cleland and many more artists. We need something like this in Eltham Greensborough area. A not for profit business for up and coming artists

Peter Clarke - Music plays an important part in our family with participation in choirs Council needs to develop a music and festival strategy I am interested in developing that strategy

Brett Ditchfield - More funding for local Community Radio to support & promote live music

Isabel Nalato - I have been involved with community theatre and performing arts and thus have a personal interest.

Fiona Sievers - The arts - music especially - are very important to everyone. We use music to celebrate life and death, to relax, to dance to, for many mental health issues like dementia and anxiety - music is a precious tool and resource and shouldn't be ignored.

Katta O'Donnell - I regard music as being a vital part of the community as it brings people together and is great for development and connection to others

Peter Semple - a lot of your questions presuppose knowledge about current council policies and the ability of council budgets to meet new expenditures. I play music and would like to support initiatives that support music generally but i cannot commit to funding without more details about costs and community support

Alexander Collum - I would be more than happy to chat with any individuals or groups about these and any other issues. You can best contact me via email - AlexanderForNillumbik@gmail.com

Grant Brooker - cheers

Northern Grampians Shire Council

Central Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr ERWIN, Kevin

Did not respond

Kara Kara Ward (2 vacancies, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr DRISCOLL, Tony

Did not respond

Mrs REID, Merrilee

Did not respond

South West Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr HOSEMANS, Jason Chris Alexander

Did not respond

Stawell Ward (3 vacancies, 6 candidates)

Candidates

Mr WILLIAMS, Mark Craig

No email address provided

Mr ANYON, William Graeme

See below respose

Mrs HYSLOP, Karen

No email address provided

Mr EMERSON, Murray

No email address provided

Mr COOPER, Allan Harold

Did not respond

Mr HASWELL, Rob

Did not respond

Total candidates for Northern Grampians Shire Council 2016: 10

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

William Graeme Anyon - blues jazz

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

William Graeme Anyon - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

William Graeme Anyon - not enough work

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

William Graeme Anyon - none

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

William Graeme Anyon - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

William Graeme Anyon - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

William Graeme Anyon - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

William Graeme Anyon - don't know

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

William Graeme Anyon - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

William Graeme Anyon - Yes

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

William Graeme Anyon - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

William Graeme Anyon - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Port Phillip City Council

Canal Ward (3 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs WYATT, Lorna

Did not respond

Ms CRAWFORD, Louise

See below response

Mr BAXTER, Tim

Did not respond

Mr GROSS, Dick

See below response

Ms WILSON, Victoria

See below response

Mr SCHULTZ, Ben

See below response

Ms JOHNSTONE, Liz

Did not respond

Mr BUCH, Henry

Did not respond

Mr ARMSTRONG, Steven

Did not respond

Ms TOUZEAU, Jane

See below response

Gateway Ward (3 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Ms WEBB, Ella

See below response

Ms VOSS, Bernadene

Did not respond

Mr SIMMONS, Paul

See below response

Mr JAMES, Earl

Did not respond

Mr ADMIRAAL, Ashley

See below response

Mr ROBERTS, Richard

Did not respond

Ms HANLON, Edwina

See below response

Mr CRESP, Rohan

Did not respond

Mr SIMIC, Ogy

See below response

Mr PEARL, Marcus

See below response

Lake Ward (3 vacancies, 10 candidates)

Candidates

Mr ELDRIDGE, Lucas

See below response

Miss VAN DYK, Mel

See below response

Mr HAINES, Nick

See below response

COPSEY, Katherine

See below response

Mr STRICKLAND, Simon

Did not respond

Mr LEITINGER, Paul

Did not respond

Ms ALLEN, Ruth

See below response

Mr BOND, Andrew

See below response

Mr BRAND, David

See below response

Mr THOMANN, Serge

Did not respond

Total candidates for Port Phillip City Council 2016: 30

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Ella Webb - As a musician myself I have a wide and varies taste in music, but I am particularly fond of indie rock, and classical choral and orchestral music.

Katherine Copsey - I sing with Melbourne band The Rebelles so I'm a big fan of the 50s and 60s girl sound (Ronettes, Crystals). I also like 90s riot grrl bands and local rock and folk - so a bit of everything, really!

Lucas Elridge - Metal in many forms (mostly heavy metal) and some rock

Ben Schultz - Punk, Rock, Garage, Indie, Reggae, Ska

Paul Simmons - Varied including Rock and Roll, popular, etc

Louise Crawford - So eclectic but folk and pop

Marcus Pearl - All kinds of live music

David Brand - Rock and Roll, contemporary pop, clasical

Nick Haines - Alternative

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Ella Webb - NA

Ogy Simic - NA

Victoria Wilson - NA

Katherine Copsey - NA

Dick Gross - Served on Port Phillip Council from from 1996 to 2008 and was Mayor three times. When on Council we saved the Epsy and Palais and attempted to bring new music venues to the area

Edwina Hanlon - NA

Andrew Bond - Fully fund the annual St Kilda Festival, the City of Port Phillip Live and Local week and lease the South Melbourne Town Hall to the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) amongst other support.

Mel Van Dyk - NA

Ruth Allen - NA

Jane Touzeau - St Kilda Festival Live'n Local

Ashley Admiraal - NA

Lucas Elridge - NA

Ben Schultz - NA

Paul Simmons - NA

Louise Crawford - NA

Marcus Pearl - NA

David Brand - I previously served on the City of Port Phillip Council from 1999 to 2004. We supported the initial Fair Go For Live Music campaign and 'agent of change' legislation. My main contribution was in leading the the Save the Espy campaign, in its successful fight to preserve the Hotel as a music venue, and to enshrine in the Planning Scheme for the first time the significance of the cultural use of a building. The Espy campaign stood as a beacon for the fight for live music across Melbourne.

Nick Haines - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Ella Webb - The Port Phillip Greens and our candidates have been speaking with local artists and musicians and we’ve been hearing that one of the major challenges is finding rehearsal and recording spaces that are both local can affordable. We also need to ensure that the contribution of arts and music to our local community is properly recognised, and artists' work is properly valued. Finally, we’ve heard concerns about keeping our scene vibrant and diverse, supporting local artists and producers, and ensuring sure that big industry players don't squeeze out smaller, up and coming acts and artists.

Ogy Simic - We've been speaking with local artists and musicians and what we're hearing from them is that finding local and affordable rehearsal spaces and studios can be difficult. There is also the need to make sure that the economic contribution of arts and music to our local economy is recognised, and artists' work is valued accordingly. Finally we're hearing concerns about keeping our scene vibrant and supporting local artists and producers, making sure that big industry players don't squeeze smaller ones out.

Victoria Wilson - We are hearing that there are fewer venues able to be used for rehearsals, recording and performing. These spaces are also becoming less affordable. Our municipality is renowned for it's vibrant musical scene and we need to further support the current and future community

Katherine Copsey - We've been speaking with local artists and musicians and what we're hearing from them is that finding local and affordable rehearsal spaces and studios can be difficult. There is also the need to make sure that the economic contribution of arts and music to our local economy is recognised, and artists' work is valued accordingly. Finally we're hearing concerns about keeping our scene vibrant and supporting local artists and producers, making sure that big industry players don't squeeze smaller ones out.

Dick Gross - As a performer and musician, I have experienced the lack of opportunity to perform and promote my work due to lack of venues and funding issues.

Edwina Hanlon - What kind of music you like. But that is subjective.

Andrew Bond - Opportunities to perform would be the main issue. Pubs have traditionally been the main incubator and facilitator of live music in Port Phillip. It's no secret that the pub industry generally is struggling and going through a period of transition, and that smaller wine bars with a focus on food have increased in popularity. Many pubs have either closed altogether or decided to focus on food to attract patrons, rather than live music as they may have done in the past.

Mel Van Dyk - I think the biggest issues are: Low income / return for services; Lack of venues and support for performances; Parking and access issues.

Ruth Allen - The declining number of venues offering live music must directly affect the number of gigs for musicians.

Jane Touzeau - High rents, complaints.

Ashley Admiraal - Lack of career and financial certainty. Most musicians are part time and rely on their 'other' job to support their passion. The digitisation of music, global technology platforms, and the failure of intellectual property protection for recordings and compositions, means more musicians having to rely on live performance for their income. There's only so much demand for live music to go around. Its a hard slog being a muso.

Lucas Elridge - The Copyright laws as they stand today are currently stacked against struggling artists (and I'm glad both Magda Szubanski as well as Jimmy Barnes addressed the issue raised by a questioner on last Monday's episode of #QandA). Once an artist has copyrighted her or his music, they should own the rights of that music for the entirety of their life (unless she or he chooses to drop the copyright on their own accord). Struggling artists more than deserve the money they get and they should have peace of mind that they'll continue to get proceeds from that music for as long as people their music.

Ben Schultz - Lack of live music venues

Paul Simmons - Don't know

Louise Crawford - Closure of key music venues.

Marcus Pearl - Musicians in our municipality face issues such as cost of living in the municipality, having consistency in their gigs in the area, and appropriate access to venues for musicians and their instruments, such as car parking.

David Brand - Suitable venues Practice spaces Changing audiences

Nick Haines - Rising rents making living here cost prohibitive for many up and coming musicians. Lack of venues that currently host original live bands giving said acts less and less opportunities.

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Ella Webb - We've been talking with venue owners and users and are hearing that there's still confusion and conflict around encroachment of noise sensitive uses (e.g. new dwellings) on existing live music venues. Venues need to be supported to have their contribution to the local community and culture recognised and protected.

Ogy Simic - We've been talking with venue owners and users and are hearing that there's still confusion and conflict around encroachment of noise sensitive uses (e.g. new dwellings) on existing live music venues. Venues need to be supported to have their contribution to the local economy and culture recognised and protected.

Victoria Wilson - Having owned a local venue until recently I experienced first hand how difficult it was to allow even acoustic acts to perform in our premises despite our licence allowances , extensive sound proofing completed at the time of renovation without strong opposition from new neighbours. Local venues need to be supported to be able to continue to offer musical entertainment that is sensitive to the local surrounds and neighbourhood.

Katherine Copsey - We've been talking with venue owners and users and are hearing that there's still confusion and conflict around encroachment of noise sensitive uses (e.g. new dwellings) on existing live music venues. Venues need to be supported to have their contribution to the local economy and culture recognised and protected.

Dick Gross - Managing the interaction with new developments

Edwina Hanlon - As above.

Andrew Bond - The biggest issues facing live music venues in Port Phillip are firstly viability, and secondly, the growth in population in and around most venues. Many pubs that traditionally survived on live music have struggled. Pubs such as The Espy and The Prince of Wales have had to change in order to survive. A better quality food experience has had to incorporated into their offer in order to retain existing, or bring in a different clientele. This has in many instances come directly at the expense of live music opportunities.

Ruth Allen - Many and varied contributing factors affect live music venues in our municipality. Things such as accessibility, parking, safety, declining perception of the area. It was a sad day, indeed, seeing the iconic Espy close down. St Kilda has been renown for its rich musical and arts history and to reinvigorate that would be wonderful.

Jane Touzeau - High rents, complaints.

Ashley Admiraal - The lack of them. The once great thriving town of St Kilda is but a shadow of its former self. But it can be great again, and a cranking live music scene is the key to that.

Lucas Elridge - The prospect that the Palais Theatre could be gone one day is a worrying one. Although the State Government has pledged to save it (for now), it should be permanently protected by becoming heritage listed. For me it's a special venue as one of my favourite heavy metal bands Iron Maiden, played their first Melbourne gig their in 1982 (two years before I was born) and being a historic venue, I've no doubt music lovers of various generations, would have had their favourite artists, bot local and international, play in the Palais theatre.

Louise Crawford - St Kilda is not the newest hippest place to be. But it can be again. And with the closure of a few key venues, I think it is affecting other venues. People moving into the area near a music venue and then have an issue about the noise.

Marcus Pearl - The biggest issues facing live music venues in our municipality are the high cost of compliance with the many regulations, including liquor licensing, and noise complaints from neighbours.

David Brand - Suitable venues Resident opposition Changing audiences

Nick Haines - Vexatious complainers and lack of support from council in dealing with same. If one resident considers a venue too noisy you don't fine that venue (without warning) and make life harder for them than it is already. Working with the venue to improve sound proofing and sound leaking would be the best outcome for everyone, and the area.

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Ella Webb - Yes

Ogy Simic - Yes

Victoria Wilson - Yes

Katherine Copsey - Yes

Dick Gross - Yes

Edwina Hanlon - Yes

Andrew Bond - Yes

Mel Van Dyk - Yes

Ruth Allen - Yes

Jane Touzeau - Yes

Ashley Admiraal - Yes

Lucas Elridge - Yes

Ben Schultz - Yes

Paul Simmons - Yes

Louise Crawford - Yes

Marcus Pearl - Yes

David Brand - Yes

Nick Haines - Yes

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Ella Webb - Need more information

Ogy Simic - Need more information

Victoria Wilson - Need more information

Katherine Copsey - Need more information

Dick Gross - Need more information

Edwina Hanlon - Yes

Andrew Bond - Yes

Mel Van Dyk - Need more information

Ruth Allen - Yes

Jane Touzeau - Need more information

Ashley Admiraal - Yes

Lucas Elridge - Yes

Ben Schultz - Yes

Paul Simmons - Yes

Louise Crawford - Yes

Marcus Pearl - Yes

David Brand - Yes

Nick Haines - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Ella Webb - Need more information

Ogy Simic - Need more information

Victoria Wilson - Need more information

Katherine Copsey - Need more information

Dick Gross - Yes

Edwina Hanlon - Yes

Andrew Bond - Yes

Mel Van Dyk - Yes

Ruth Allen - Yes

Jane Touzeau - Yes

Ashley Admiraal - Yes

Lucas Elridge - Yes

Ben Schultz - Yes

Paul Simmons - Yes

Louise Crawford - Yes

Marcus Pearl - Yes

David Brand - Yes

Nick Haines - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Ella Webb - The City of Port Phillip is committed to: - actively pursuing opportunities to locate arts organisations and creative individuals and businesses in Port Phillip in order to retain its significance in the cultural life of greater Melbourne and pursuing opportunities to provide art-making facilities (eg. residencies, studios, access spaces, rehearsal spaces, etc.) Port Philip also has: - the Arts and Festivals Unit which is designed to respond to the needs of arts companies and creative individuals by providing information and advice and seeking out partnership opportunities and the Cultural Development Fund which supports arts and cultural activities that benefit Port Phillip’s artists and arts audiences.

Ogy Simic - The City of Port Phillip is committed to: - actively pursuing opportunities to locate arts organisations and creative individuals and businesses in Port Phillip in order to retain its significance in the cultural life of greater Melbourne and pursuing opportunities to provide art-making facilities (eg. residencies, studios, access spaces, rehearsal spaces, etc.) Port Philip also has: - the Arts and Festivals Unit which is designed to respond to the needs of arts companies and creative individuals by providing information and advice and seeking out partnership opportunities and the Cultural Development Fund which supports arts and cultural activities that benefit Port Phillip’s artists and arts audiences.

Victoria Wilson - The City of Port Phillip is committed to nurturing local creative individuals and businesses by providing reversal spaces, residences, studios and various facilities for their use. Port Phillip has the Arts and Festivals Unit which provides information, introductions and support for art communities and individuals. The Cultural Development Fund provides support for arts and cultural activities that benefit Port Phillip's artists and arts audiences

Katherine Copsey - The City of Port Phillip is committed to: - actively pursuing opportunities to locate arts organisations and creative individuals and businesses in Port Phillip in order to retain its significance in the cultural life of greater Melbourne and pursuing opportunities to provide art-making facilities (eg. residencies, studios, access spaces, rehearsal spaces, etc.) Port Philip also has: - the Arts and Festivals Unit which is designed to respond to the needs of arts companies and creative individuals by providing information and advice and seeking out partnership opportunities and the Cultural Development Fund which supports arts and cultural activities that benefit Port Phillip’s artists and arts audiences.

Dick Gross - Not enough (N.B. I'm not currently on Council)

Edwina Hanlon - I do not know.

Andrew Bond - St Kilda festival, Live & Local, ANAM.

Mel Van Dyk - There are a range of initiatives both run by community and council groups - including small to large scale festivals, funding opportunities, information sharing and increasing access for audiences.

Ruth Allen - St Kilda has a music festivals, foreshore and week long, was involved (with the persistence of locals) the naming of a lane to honour Rowland S Howard and has a history of supporting the arts. The music community is varied and loyal.

Jane Touzeau - St Kilda Festival, agent of change awareness, support for music education and performance at ANAM, Live'n Local festival, participation of school and community choirs in citizenship ceremonies, Yalukit Wilum Ngargee indigenous music and cultural festival.

Ashley Admiraal - The City of Port Phillip invests heavily in the St Kilda Festival. This is a one off big budget extravaganza. By contrast, the city of Yarra's 'Leaps and Bounds' festival focusses on venues and musicians, thereby supporting the bread and butter local music community. Something Port Phillip should focus on.

Lucas Elridge - They are already using the agent of chance principal so that when new residences are built near live music venues, the onus is on the developer to ensure the building adequately structured to protect residents from noise as outlined in page four of this document: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/port-phillip-live-music-guide.pdf This means the onus of barricading noise won't be unfairly placed on preexisting live music venues and it is my firm belief that all preexisting venues should continue to have this protection.

Ben Schultz - FReeZa

Paul Simmons - Don't know

Louise Crawford - I am not clear on those at the moment.

Marcus Pearl - Extensive support, for example the St Kilda festival

David Brand - St Kilda Festival Live and Local promotional assistance at local traders' level Support of ANAM in South Melbourne

Nick Haines - St Kilda Festival and Local and Live festival. Unfortunately they are two out of fifty two weeks though. Fifty other weeks of the air live music is seemingly invisible to the council.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Ella Webb - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Port Phillip. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10. The Greens would only advocate on decisions affecting our music community in Port Phillip after engaging with the people who make up that community, any other relevant local stakeholders and with the broad community interest in mind. The Victorian Greens Arts and Culture policy covers community development and the arts, support for artists, education and the arts and cultural heritage. View the policy at http://greens.org.au/policies/vic/arts-and-culture

Ogy Simic - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Port Phillip. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10. The Greens would only advocate on decisions affecting our music community in Port Phillip after engaging with the people who make up that community, any other relevant local stakeholders and with the broad community interest in mind. The Victorian Greens Arts and Culture policy covers community development and the arts, support for artists, education and the arts and cultural heritage. View the policy at http://greens.org.au/policies/vic/arts-and-culture

Victoria Wilson - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups to discuss the intitiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Port Phillip. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10. The Greens would only advocate on decisions affecting our music community in Port Phillip after engaging with the people who make up that community, any other relevant local stakeholders and with the broad community interest in mind. The Victorian Greens Arts and Culture policy covers community development and the arts, support for artists, education and the arts and cultural heritage. View the policy at http://greens.org.au/policies/vic/arts-and-culture

Katherine Copsey - There are many ways councils can support local live music. Greens on Council would be very willing to meet with Music Victoria and other groups to discuss the initiatives above and how they could apply to support music in the City of Port Phillip. This includes consideration of a music audit and music strategy as highlighted in questions 9 and 10. The Greens would only advocate on decisions affecting our music community in Port Phillip after engaging with the people who make up that community, any other relevant local stakeholders and with the broad community interest in mind. The Victorian Greens Arts and Culture policy covers community development and the arts, support for artists, education and the arts and cultural heritage. View the policy at http://greens.org.au/policies/vic/arts-and-culture

Mel Van Dyk - I would be in support of all of the above initiatives, with the following amendments to wording / conditions: Free or discounted rehearsal spaces in council owned venues for local acts; Improved parking options to support musicians (outside live music venues).

Ruth Allen - Partnering with Music Industry Victoria to run music industry professional development workshops sounds like a great idea. I like the idea of loading zones for musician drop offs and encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practices. Obviously all of these initiatives need more than a blanket yes or no. There are stakeholders to include in discussions and decisions and options to weigh up. I am a huge supporter of live music but residents, venues and overall amenity must be considered too.

Jane Touzeau - One way and another we provide a lot of support for live music in City of Port Phillip as we consider music an important part of peoples lives and culture.

Ashley Admiraal - These are all low cost and pretty easy things for local government to do. There's also a role for local government to properly regulate in the areas of town planning and music 'noise' to help venues.

Lucas Elridge - I see no reason why all five points above could not be acted upon (the survey only lets me select one option).

Ben Schultz - All of the above

Paul Simmons - Would be prepared to consider issues raised as part of music audit and any issues that might be advanced to further appreciation of live music venues

David Brand - All of the above. Also: Support the concept of a possible live music industry HQ / cultural centre at the Triangle Site on St Kilda's Foreshore.

Nick Haines - I support ALL the above initiatives. In particular all ages shows. There are not nearly enough all ages in Victoria, and we need to introduce the next generation to live music as soon as possible.

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Ella Webb - No

Ogy Simic - No

Victoria Wilson - No

Katherine Copsey - No

Dick Gross - Need more information

Edwina Hanlon - Need more information

Andrew Bond - Yes

Mel Van Dyk - Need more information

Ruth Allen - Need more information

Jane Touzeau - Yes

Ashley Admiraal - Need more information

Lucas Elridge - Yes

Ben Schultz - No

Paul Simmons - Yes

Louise Crawford - No

Marcus Pearl - Yes

David Brand - No

Nick Haines - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Ella Webb - Yes

Ogy Simic - NA

Victoria Wilson - NA

Katherine Copsey - NA

Dick Gross - NA

Edwina Hanlon - NA

Andrew Bond - NA

Mel Van Dyk - NA

Ruth Allen - NA

Jane Touzeau - NA

Ashley Admiraal - NA

Lucas Elridge - NA

Ben Schultz - Yes

Paul Simmons - NA

Louise Crawford - Yes

Marcus Pearl - NA

David Brand - Yes

Nick Haines - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Ella Webb - Yes

Ogy Simic - Yes

Victoria Wilson -Yes

Katherine Copsey - Yes

Dick Gross - Yes

Edwina Hanlon - Yes

Andrew Bond - Yes

Mel Van Dyk - Yes

Ruth Allen - Yes

Jane Touzeau - Yes

Ashley Admiraal - Yes

Lucas Elridge - Yes

Ben Schultz - Yes

Paul Simmons - No

Louise Crawford - Yes

Marcus Pearl - Yes

David Brand - Yes

Nick Haines - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Ella Webb - I perform with and helped managed a community choir for many years. Through my experiences I became all too familiar with many of the challenges musicians presently face in Melbourne. We must do more to support the Arts in Victoria.

Ogy Simic - In regards to Q13, Greens on council would consider appropriate funding outcomes based on engagement with Port Phillip's music community, other relevant local stakeholders and with the broad community interest in mind.

Victoria Wilson - In regard to Q13 Greens on council would consider appropriate funding outcomes based on engagement with Port Phillip's music community, other relevant stakeholders and with the broad community interest in mind. One of the most attractive aspects that draw people to our wonderful municipality to live and visit is our arts and cultural scene. There is always more to be done at Council level to support and nurture local talent and if elected I look forward to being highly visible, consultative and proactive.

Dick Gross - I have played the violin since I was 4 years old. I still play. I know my Mozart, Brahms and my duff duff.I can play duff duff on my violin.

Mel Van Dyk - I am a big supporter of music, arts and events and worked in the music retail industry for 7 years. I am a singer, songwriter and performance artist and appreciate being in the audience too! I believe there is always room for improvement. If elected I would be pleased to collaborate with Music Victoria to improve and develop Port Phillip's music scene.

Ruth Allen - I have been a trader on Fitzroy St for twenty five years having owned Tolarno Bar and Bistro and Barney Allen's. We loved having live music in both venues and it has given the area many great time. I am well aware of residents needs and the importance of communication and response to them to ensure sustainability and enjoyment for all.

Jane Touzeau - City of Port Phillip supports a range of music events and opportunities and is proud to do so.

Ashley Admiraal - As a former board member and Chair of Music Victoria, I know local government can do a lot to support the local music scene. The City of Port Phillip spends a lot on the St Kilda Festival and the upgrade of the Palais Theatre. These are largely economic investments. Some of this could be better directed at supporting grass roots activity to strengthen what can be once again a great local music community and music scene.

Lucas Elridge - Less money for the grand prix (which I'd be glad to see vanish once and for all) and more money for live music :)

Ben Schultz - I spent 4 years running a venue in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley which often hosted live music and I grew up attending the Espy and POW. I understand live music's cultural significance and it's contribution to the night time economy.

Louise Crawford - As an artist, I believe council is key in providing affordable & diverse spaces for all creatives. It helps to build the community and vibrancy for the area.

David Brand - Thanks for your survey.

Pyrenees Shire Council

Avoca Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr EASON, Ronald

No email address provided

Beaufort Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Ms KENDALL, Julie

No email address provided

Mr O'CONNOR, Michael

Did not respond

De Cameron Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr VANCE, Robert J.

No email address provided

Ercildoune Ward (1 vacancy, 1 candidate)

Candidates

Mr CLARK, David

Did not respond

Mount Emu Ward (1 vacancy, 2 candidates)

Candidates

Mr CARSON, Alec

See below response

Mrs KEHOE, Tanya

Did not respond

Total candidates for Pyrenees Shire Council 2016: 7

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Alec Carson - Celtic and Folk

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Alec Carson - Youth events and Support for Moonambel

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Alec Carson - Travel and community support

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Alec Carson - Live music venues are usu

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Alec Carson - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Alec Carson - Need more information

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Alec Carson - Need more information

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Alec Carson - Not aware of any as I did not serve during the last erm

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Rosemary Cousin - NA

Philip Murphy - NA

Graeme Heath - NA

Mr. Kim White - NA

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Rosemary Cousin - Affordability of musical equipment and having a supportive space to form and practice; and having venues in which live music may be heard. Having access to experienced/older musicians also appears really important.

Philip Murphy - All our ratepayers are concerned with escalating rates in our shire and a diminishing local economy. We need to get our shire vibrant and robust and I am outlining policies to do that.

Graeme Heath - Community support, funding and venues.

Mr. Kim White - Suitable venues

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Rosemary Cousin - proximity to where young people live. For example, as many schools have music programs, proximity to schools appears to be an important criteria. Access to old town halls and council buildings might be another, but who would pay for the venue and equipment, insurances and security are important considerations.

Philip Murphy - I am more than happy to meet with your people and become more enlightened. I am a farmer in my shire and farming and business issues are my main focus. We have a fabulous music venue at Moss Vale Park that is an asset to our shire. I am very keen to maintain and upgrade Moss Vale Park with its magnificent englsh trees

Graeme Heath - Lack of funding and support.

Mr. Kim White - Noise complaints from adjoining residential areas

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Rosemary Cousin - No

Philip Murphy - No

Graeme Heath - No

Mr. Kim White - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Rosemary Cousin - Yes

Philip Murphy - No

Graeme Heath - Yes

Mr. Kim White - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Rosemary Cousin - Yes

Philip Murphy - No

Graeme Heath - Yes

Mr. Kim White - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Rosemary Cousin - I am unaware of any current initiatives in South Gippsland Shire. In Mirboo North a music shop has just established, as I understand it, due to the lack of reliability of the local school facilities.

Philip Murphy - There are a multutude of magnicent local country halls available for hire throughout our shire. Im keen to see those venues fully utilised

Graeme Heath - None except music for the people at Mossvale Park

Mr. Kim White - I am not aware that the current Council is undertaking anything. If it is, I have not seen any publicity on any initiatives.

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Rosemary Cousin - WE should be open to considering all of the above options after consulting with current and prospective musicians in the Shire. Lets hear what our budding muso's really need.

Philip Murphy - Our council escalated its rates 22 percent in 2002. It has ramped up rates annually since then. We have lost one in four retail businesses out of our two major towns - Leongatha and Korumburra. We need to thoroughly review our local spending before committing to anything more than that.

Graeme Heath - All the above !!!

Mr. Kim White - Free rehearsal spaces in council owned venues

Q10: Do you think there is adequate funding (e.g. grant opportunities) for musicians and industry events in your municipality?

Rosemary Cousin - Need more information

Philip Murphy - Yes

Graeme Heath - No

Mr. Kim White - No

Q11: If you answered no, would you support an increase?

Rosemary Cousin - NA

Philip Murphy - NA

Graeme Heath - Yes

Mr. Kim White - Yes

Q12: Would you support the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events?

Rosemary Cousin - Yes

Philip Murphy - Yes

Graeme Heath - Yes

Mr. Kim White - Yes

Q13: Thank you for your feedback. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Rosemary Cousin - In 14 I refer back to my question about how matters of insurance and security would be arranged, but consider this to be a logistical question. The main aim should be to encourage expression, identity and cultural development in the Shire across all community niches if at all possible.

Philip Murphy - Haply to meet with and/or talk to your people in South Gippsland anytime. My number 0418 535 611

Mr. Kim White - I have answered yes to several points above, but that would be conditional on first completing the priorities I've set out in my Candidates Statement. But I AM sympathetic!

Southern Grampians Shire Council

Southern Grampians Shire Council (7 vacancies, 13 candidates)

Candidates

Mrs ARMSTRONG, Cathy

No email address provided

Mr COLE, Christopher James

See below response

Mr JONES, Peter

Did not respond

Mrs CALVANO, Yvonne

Did not respond

Mr BATTISTA, Paul

See below response

Mr DAWSON, Dennis

See below response

Mrs COOKE, Ama

See below response

Mrs BROWN, Mary-Ann

Did not respond

Mr DUNKLEY, Colin Bruce

No email address provided

Mr CALVANO, Albert

No email address provided

Dr RAINSFORD, Katrina

See below response

Mr McADAM, Greg

See below response

Mr SHARPLES, Chris

No email address provided

Total candidates for Southern Grampians Shire Council 2016: 13

Q1: What kind of music do you enjoy?

Katrina Rainsford - all kinds

Ama Cooke - everything except heavy metal

Greg McAdam - Classical, R &B, Some Jazz.

Christopher James Cole - A WIDE VARIETY FROM CLASSICAL TO jAZZ

Dennis Dawson - Classical, Jazz

Paul Battista - Aussie Rock. Celtic, multi cultural

Q2: If you are renominating and have previously served on council, please outline the support your council has provided for the music community during those term/s.

Katrina Rainsford - Council does provide some funding to community bands and choirs if they apply for community funding. Special events that council is involved in actively seek local performers.

Ama Cooke - NA

Greg McAdam - NA

Christopher James Cole - NA

Dennis Dawson - Our Community has a strong music culture and it is supported by Council through provision of venues and support to things such as the Eisteddfod and a range of shows at the Performing Arts Centre.

Paul Battista - Events support

Q3: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing musicians in your municipality?

Katrina Rainsford - Probably professional musicians would find it difficult to find enough return to make a full time living in rural and regional communities and often excellent groups and performers have other paid jobs and careers.

Ama Cooke - Lack of funding

Greg McAdam - Tyranny of Distance to Major venues, and Tuition

Christopher James Cole - To have access to more advanced groups to play in and also the chance of hearing professional groups.

Dennis Dawson - For young musicians the opportunity to express their ability and capacity outside of some limited opportunity for performance.

Paul Battista - Distance , venue planning restrictions

Q4: What do you consider to be the biggest issues facing live music venues in your municipality?

Katrina Rainsford - Retaining venues is important. The cost of meetng stringent building and planning requirements, often based on safetley which is important when their is assemlies of people, but the way regulation information is delivered and the time frames often can make renovations or developments difficult. Better customer service and empathy would help.

Ama Cooke - We have pubs and the Performing Arts Centre in Hamilton. We have pubs in other towns, but I do not know of many that host live music.

Greg McAdam - Lack of use Falling patronage Rental prices.

Christopher James Cole - The cost of bringing professional groups to town, and thus the price of admission tickets

Dennis Dawson - I think that they are well catered for but probably cost is the most significant factor.

Paul Battista - As above

Q5: Are you aware of the agent of change principle, how it applies to venues and how your council can use the principle to support venues in your area?

Katrina Rainsford - No

Ama Cooke - No

Greg McAdam - No

Christopher James Cole - No

Dennis Dawson - Yes

Paul Battista - No

Q6: If elected, would you be willing to undertake a music audit to identify your music community?

Katrina Rainsford - Yes

Ama Cooke - Need more information

Greg McAdam - Need more information

Christopher James Cole - Yes

Dennis Dawson - Yes

Paul Battista - Yes

Q7:Would you then support the development of a music strategy in your municipality?

Katrina Rainsford - Yes

Ama Cooke - Yes

Greg McAdam - Need more information

Christopher James Cole - Yes

Dennis Dawson - Yes

Paul Battista - Yes

Q8: What initiatives is your municipality currently undertaking to support music?

Katrina Rainsford - Our community is extremely active in music already, with a full Hamilton Orhestra, several bands and community choirs. However, surveying the community could assist councils investment and planning.

Ama Cooke - I do not know.

Greg McAdam - New Candidate ---- Don't know

Christopher James Cole - a hire program for instruments. A community orchestra A Town Band

Dennis Dawson - It provides the principal venue for music performance and through the Performing Arts program seeks to provide a range of performance to cater for most tastes.

Paul Battista - Events management advice

Q9: A number of municipalities have introduced some or all of the following initiatives in an effort to support live music in their areas. Would you support their introduction in your municipality?

Free rehearsal spaces in council-owned venues

Musicians parking / loading zones outside live music venues

Grants for all age gigs

Partnering with Music Victoria to run industry professional development workshops

Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Christopher James Cole - Encouraging local venues to operate using safe and inclusive practises

Dennis Dawson - I would support providing spaces in some venues. I have no objection to loading/unloading issues although that is not a problem with our municipality. Grant funding is available on application. Happy to discuss assistance with workshops and encouraging appropriate practices at local venues.